Following the first local case of chikungunya fever reported last Sunday, Hong Kong confirmed three additional local cases yesterday (Oct. 27). Chief Executive John Lee addressed the media today (Oct. 28) before the Executive Council meeting, emphasizing that chikungunya fever is not transmitted from person to person but through mosquito vectors. Therefore, the top priorities are mosquito eradication and public education on prevention measures to reduce the risk of infection through mosquito bites.
He stressed that chikungunya fever is not an "endemic disease" in Hong Kong, and the government will make every effort to control mosquitoes to prevent the virus from becoming established locally.
Mr. Lee noted that the Environment and Ecology Bureau convened a steering meeting yesterday to coordinate efforts across departments. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has already conducted intensive fogging operations and cleared stagnant water within a 250-meter radius of the patients' residences, alongside enhanced inspections of high-risk locations such as construction sites.
The first local case was reported in Fung Tak Estate, Wong Tai Sin, where approximately 8,000 households across 20 buildings in the vicinity were identified as at risk. Mr. Lee stated that the Center for Health Protection (CHP) and the "Caring Teams" have contacted all 8,000 households in the area to conduct questionnaire surveys. A medical station has been set up in a local shopping mall to assess residents and hold educational talks. An online seminar attracted an enthusiastic response, with around 4,000 participants.
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