New Chikungunya Case in Hong Kong

In a concerning development, Hong Kong has reported another case of chikungunya fever, marking the total number of infections this year at 13. The latest victim is a 27-year-old woman from Sham Shui Po who recently traveled to Foshan, Guangdong, where a chikungunya outbreak is ongoing.

Infection Details and Current Condition

The woman was hospitalized on August 28 and is currently in stable condition. Health officials suspect she contracted the virus after being bitten by mosquitoes while outside the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

A Global Concern

Edwin Tsui, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) controller, emphasized the need for vigilance. Although new cases of chikungunya in Foshan have been declining recently, the global landscape remains worrisome. As of July, over 240,000 chikungunya cases were reported worldwide across 16 countries, with approximately 90 fatalities linked to the disease.

Summer Threats and School Preparations

Summer's high temperatures and rainfall continue to create an environment ripe for outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases, not just in Hong Kong but globally. As the academic year kicks off on September 1, Tsui urges schools to implement mosquito control measures and to remind students and staff to protect themselves from bites. With the threat of chikungunya looming, public education and awareness are more crucial than ever.