Alert Response Level of Ebola Virus Disease and Zika Virus Infection preparedness plans stand down

     The Government today (June 15) announced the standing down of the Alert Response Level under the Preparedness and Response Plan for Ebola Virus Disease and the Preparedness and Response Plan for Zika Virus Infection, with immediate effect.

     The Alert Response Level for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and Zika Virus Infection, the lowest level under the three-tier preparedness plans, was activated in July 2019 and March 2016 respectively. As both viral haemorrhagic fever (including EVD) and Zika Virus Infection are statutorily notifiable infectious diseases in Hong Kong, suspected or confirmed cases must be promptly notified for investigation, control and surveillance. This remains effective after the standing down of the Alert Response Level. The Department of Health will issue letters to doctors and hospitals on the update.

Ebola Virus Disease
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     The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the EVD outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in July 2019, and has then terminated the PHEIC status on EVD in June 2020 after considering the outbreak was over. In Hong Kong, the Alert Response Level was activated on July 18, 2019, and no confirmed Ebola cases have been detected to date.

Zika Virus Infection
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     "Microcephaly, other neurological disorders and Zika virus" was considered a PHEIC by the WHO from February to November 2016. Aedes aegypti, which is the principal vector for transmitting Zika virus to humans, is currently not found in Hong Kong, while Aedes albopictus widely present locally is considered a potential vector. The Alert Response Level was activated on March 11, 2016. A total of three imported cases were recorded in Hong Kong so far (with two in 2016 and one in 2017), while no suspected cases have been reported in Hong Kong after August 2019.

     The Government will continue to monitor the global and local situation of relevant communicable diseases to review and update the response level at suitable times based on latest developments and risk assessments.

     For more information, the public may visit the following pages:

* The Centre for Health Protection's Ebola Virus Disease page;
* The Centre for Health Protection's Zika Virus Infection page; and
* The DH's Travel Health Service.