Strategies for Self-Protection During a potential Chikungunya Fever Outbreak in Hong Kong
In a recent development, health authorities in Hong Kong have confirmed the first case of Chikungunya fever since 2019. A 12-year-old boy living in Kwun Tong has been diagnosed with the mosquito-borne disease.
The boy contracted the disease during his travel to Foshan's Shunde district, where an ongoing outbreak of Chikungunya fever is reported. His symptoms, including fever, rash, and joint pain, particularly in the hands and feet, developed on Thursday.
Chikungunya fever is similar to dengue fever but is generally milder. The disease is known to be transmitted through mosquito bites, particularly by Aedes mosquitoes, including the prevalent Aedes albopictus in Hong Kong.
Health authorities are urging residents to take protective measures against the disease. These measures include applying insect repellent for 14 days after returning from affected areas, maintaining strict environmental hygiene to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, avoiding mosquito bites, and supporting intensified mosquito control efforts such as removing stagnant water weekly and keeping drains clean. Public and property managers are also urged to inspect and remove water containers and scrub surfaces that may harbor mosquito eggs.
Authorities have intensified anti-mosquito measures in affected locations and stepped up public education on prevention. Residents are advised to monitor for these symptoms closely, especially if recently returning from endemic regions.
While the boy's condition is not specified to lead to more severe conditions like haemorrhagic fever, Chikungunya fever can potentially lead to such complications. The disease has high transmission potential via Aedes mosquitoes, making it a medium to high risk for local transmission from imported cases in Hong Kong.
It is important to note that this is an imported case and there is no reported local outbreak of Chikungunya fever in Hong Kong at the time of the report. The boy's mother also traveled with him to Foshan's Shunde district.
Stay informed and stay safe. Let's work together to prevent the spread of Chikungunya fever in Hong Kong.
[1] Health authorities issue alert after first case of Chikungunya fever in 2 years. (2022). South China Morning Post. Retrieved from https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3166389/health-authorities-issue-alert-after-first-case
[2] Chikungunya fever: Symptoms, causes, and prevention. (2022). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chikungunya/symptoms-causes/syc-20369663
[3] Chikungunya fever: What to do if you're bitten by a mosquito. (2022). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/prevention/after-travel.html
- People in Hong Kong are urged to take health-and-wellness measures against Chikungunya fever, which involves applying insect repellent, maintaining environmental hygiene, avoiding mosquito bites, and supporting intensified mosquito control efforts.
- While Chikungunya fever is generally milder than dengue fever, the disease has high transmission potential via Aedes mosquitoes, and it can potentially lead to severe conditions like haemorrhagic fever, making it a medium to high risk for local transmission in Hong Kong.
