A 12-year-old boy residing in On Tat Estate, Kwun Tong, has been confirmed as Hong Kong's first imported case of Chikungunya this year. The boy had recently traveled to Foshan, Guangdong.
Dr. Wong Hoi-kei, Senior Medical and Health Officer at the Centre for Health Protection, stated on a radio program today (Aug. 4) that the frequent interactions between HK and the Mainland pose a high risk of imported chikungunya cases.
Although chikungunya fever is not transmissible between humans, the virus spreads through mosquito bites, making mosquito control measures crucial to prevent outbreaks.
Dr. Wong explained that the incubation period for chikungunya fever typically ranges from 3 to 8 days. Symptoms include fever, joint pain, and skin rashes. Currently, there is no widely available or reliable diagnostic test for the virus. Dr. Wong advised residents returning from affected areas to seek medical attention promptly if they experience symptoms.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), two chikungunya vaccines have been approved or recommended for high-risk groups. However, these vaccines are not yet widely available or commonly used.
Dr. Wong noted that the vaccines are relatively new on the international stage, and no country or region has implemented widespread use. HK will closely monitor WHO reports on vaccine developments.
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