The recent spike in Chikungunya fever (CF) cases in multiple regions worldwide (including neighbouring areas), and more frequently travelling among members of the public during summer holidays, pose a significant risk of imported cases in Hong Kong.
CF is not transmitted from person to person, and is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of female Aedes mosquitoes carrying the CF virus. Aedes albopictus, which is ubiquitous in Hong Kong, can transmit CF. Despite severe or fatal cases caused by CF is rare and the symptoms are milder than that of Dengue Fever, and most patients recover on their own, as local mosquitoes have not carried the CF virus, we must strive to prevent CF from becoming endemic in Hong Kong.
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health recommends that the public properly use DEET-containing insect repellents or other effective active ingredients to effectively prevent mosquito bites. The following precautions should be taken when using them:
- read the label instructions carefully first;
- apply right before entering an area with risk of mosquito bites;
- apply on exposed skin and clothing;
- use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children (For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent);
- apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent;
- reapply only when needed and follow the instructions; and
- in addition to DEET, there are other insect repellents available on the market containing different active ingredients, such as IR3535, picaridin etc. When using any insect repellent, the public should follow the usage instructions and precautions on the product label.
Members of the public returning from areas affected by CF should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. If they feel unwell, they should seek medical advice promptly and provide their travel details to a doctor.
The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the dengue fever page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the Chikungunya fever page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page 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/202507/28/P2025072800887.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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