Hong Kong records first imported case of chikungunya fever after outbreak in mainland China
According to an initial investigation by the Department of Health's Centre for Health Protection (CHP), the 12-year-old boy, who lives in On Tat Estate in Kwun Tong, was infected in Foshan in Guangdong province between July 17 and 30.
The boy, now in stable condition, was admitted to United Christian Hospital for treatment on Friday, a day after he developed a fever, rash, and joint pain, the CHP said in a Saturday statement.
His blood sample has tested positive for the mosquito-borne virus.
The boy's household contacts are currently asymptomatic and under medical surveillance, while health authorities have also conducted investigations and taken mosquito control measures.
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has conducted investigations and will conduct mosquito prevention and control measures at the patient's home, the vicinity of the hospital, as well as locations he visited after the onset of symptoms.
6,900 cases
Citing the World Health Organisation, the CHP said that over 220,000 cases of chikungunya fever have been reported in 14 countries and regions, of which 80 cases were fatal.
It also said that the Foshan health authorities logged more than 6,900 cases as of last Thursday, all of which were mild, with no severe or fatal cases. Other cities such as Guangzhou, Zhongshan, and Dongguan have also reported cases.
According to the CHP, chikungunya fever is most commonly transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Aedes mosquitoes.
'During the early stage after the onset of symptoms (especially when a fever is present), the blood of patients of [chikungunya fever] contains a large amount of virus, which is infectious to mosquitoes,' said Albert Au, head of the centre's Communicable Disease Branch.
'Therefore, avoiding mosquito bites of the patient is an important measure to prevent local transmission,' he said.
The FEHD urged residents to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures including removing potential breeding grounds in their homes and surroundings, changing water in vases, removing water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week, and properly disposing of containers such as soft drink cans and lunch boxes.
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