In view of the recent chikungunya fever (CF) cases, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) will continue to strengthen its surveillance work. The CHP reminded that avoiding mosquito bites and eliminating mosquito breeding sites are effective ways to prevent CF. Members of the public should maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and when travelling outside Hong Kong.
Members of the public should adopt precautions in the rainy season against mosquito-borne diseases. If members of the public return from areas affected by mosquito-borne diseases, they should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. They should closely observe their personal health condition, in particular symptoms such as fever, joint pain and rash. If they feel unwell, they should seek medical advice promptly and provide their travel details to the doctor for clinical diagnosis and arrangement of appropriate testing based on an individual patient’s condition. Members of the public are urged not to self-medicate, particularly with aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen), as these drugs may cause serious side effects, for example increasing the risk of haemorrhage. In general, children should not take medications containing aspirin to relieve fever or other symptoms, as it may lead to a serious and potentially fatal complication called “Reye’s syndrome”.
Members of the public are also reminded to take heed of the following advice on mosquito control and avoiding mosquito bites:
- Thoroughly check all gully traps, roof gutters, surface channels and drains to prevent blockage;
- Scrub and clean drains and surface channels with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any deposited mosquito eggs;
- Properly dispose of refuse, such as soft drink cans, empty bottles and boxes in covered litter containers;
- Completely change the water of flowers and plants at least once a week. The use of saucers should be avoided if possible;
- Level irregular ground surfaces before the rainy season;
- Install mosquito screens on windows and doors if necessary, or use mosquito screens or nets in indoor areas;
- Avoid staying in shrubby areas; and
- Take personal protective measures such as wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and trousers, and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or uncovered areas of the body when doing outdoor activities.
The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the CF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page, Instagram Account and YouTube Channel.
For more e-Resources regarding Chikungunya Fever, please visit: https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/resources/464/6122.html. If you wish to request printed health education materials, the application can be submitted online through CHP website. You can also print the completed application form and submit it by fax or by post.
Relevant press release:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202508/06/P2025080600823.htm
We would like to solicit your support to disseminate the information to your colleagues, work associates and/or business partners so that they could adopt proper preventive measures. Thank you very much for your support.
Department of Health
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