Hong Kong Reports First Locally Acquired Chikungunya Fever Case

Strategic Insights -

The Centre for Health Protection has confirmed an 82-year-old woman from Fung Tak Estate in Wong Tai Sin as the first locally acquired chikungunya fever case in Hong Kong. The patient, who is in stable condition, had visited Guangdong's Qingyuan in late August, but had no travel history during the incubation period. The centre has launched an investigation and is taking preventive and control measures to ensure public health safety.

Key Takeaways:

  • The patient, an 82-year-old female, is the first locally acquired chikungunya fever case in Hong Kong, living in Fung Tak Estate in Wong Tai Sin.
  • The patient developed symptoms, including a swollen and painful left ankle and fever, on October 18 and 22, respectively, and was admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital's accident and emergency department.
  • The preliminary investigation revealed that the patient had visited Qingyuan in Guangdong in late August, but had no travel history during the incubation period, which is two to 12 days prior to onset.
  • The centre conducted an inter-departmental meeting with various departments and organisations, including the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department, Wong Tai Sin District Office, and Housing Authority, to implement preventive and control measures.
  • The centre's officers and District Services & Community Care Teams will contact about 8,000 households and carry out questionnaire surveys to understand and follow up on their health conditions.
  • Residents are urged to seek medical advice or contact the centre immediately if they have presented with a fever, rash, or joint pain since October 1.
  • The centre has set up a health consultation booth at 2/F, Fung Tak Shopping Centre, where assessments will be provided to residents with relevant symptoms, as well as an enquiry hotline 2125 2373.

Statistics:

  • 82-year-old female patient
  • Developed symptoms on October 18 and 22, respectively
  • Admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital's accident and emergency department
  • Preliminary investigation revealed visit to Qingyuan in Guangdong in late August
  • No travel history during the incubation period (two to 12 days prior to onset)
  • 8,000 households to be contacted by centre's officers and District Services & Community Care Teams
  • Residents urged to seek medical advice or contact the centre immediately if they have presented with a fever, rash, or joint pain since October 1

Sources:

  • Hong Kong Information Services - The Department of Health's Centre for Health Protection