The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said today (August 7) that it is investigating a confirmed Mpox (also known as Monkeypox) case, and urged the public to heighten vigilance and avoid close physical contact with persons suspected of contracting Mpox. Meanwhile, high-risk target groups are strongly advised to receive Mpox vaccination.

     The case involves a 28-year-old male patient with good past health. He developed lymphadenopathy, rash and fever since August 1. He visited a private doctor on August 4. He has been admitted to Queen Mary Hospital and he is in a stable condition.

     An initial investigation revealed that he had high-risk exposure in Hong Kong during the incubation period. No epidemiological linkages between this case and other confirmed cases recorded in Hong Kong earlier have been found so far. The CHP's epidemiological investigations of the case are ongoing, including contact tracing and infection source investigation. The CHP will report the case to the World Health Organization.

     The CHP had earlier set up an Mpox telephone hotline (2125 2373). The hotline operates from Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) from 9am to 5pm, which enables those who suspect or are concerned they have had high-risk contact with confirmed patients, in particular men who have sex with men or those who have sexual practices with strangers, to make enquiries and receive relevant health advice. Meanwhile, the CHP reminds the public, especially those subject to high risks of exposure, to take precautions and avoid close physical contact with persons or animals suspected of infection. They should seek medical attention as soon as possible if they experience relevant symptoms, including rashes, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle pain, and severe headaches.

     The CHP reminds members of the public that Mpox is not transmitted through respiratory droplets or aerosols in general, and transmission would not occur through social contact. Proper personal and hand hygiene can help prevent getting infected via contact.

     The Government has activated the Alert level of the preparedness and response plan for the disease in September last year and will continue to assess the risk in view of the latest scientific evidence and situation, and implement corresponding control measures.

     The Mpox vaccination programme for high-risk groups commenced on October 5 last year. Under the programme, the following high-risk target groups can receive Mpox vaccination on a voluntary basis:
 

1. Individuals with high-risk sexual practices, e.g. having multiple sexual partners, sex workers, or having a history of sexually transmitted infection within the past 12 months;
2. Healthcare workers responsible for caring of patients with confirmed Mpox;
3. Laboratory personnel working with zoonotic pox viruses; and
4. Animal care personnel with high risk of exposure in case of Mpox occurrence in animals in Hong Kong.

     High-risk target groups can receive Mpox vaccination at the designated Mpox vaccination centre (situated at 2/F, CHP building, 147C Argyle Street, Mong Kok) by appointment through email (mpv_booking@dh.gov.hk) or telephone booking line (2547 1900) during office hours. They can also receive Mpox walk-in vaccinations at all of the DH's Social Hygiene Service Clinics (SocHS) (namely Chai Wan SocHS, Wan Chai Male SocHS, Wan Chai Female SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Male SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Female SocHS, Yung Fung Shee SocHS, Fanling SocHS and Tuen Mun SocHS). Further information of the clinics including their locations is available at www.dh.gov.hk/english/tele/tele_chc/tele_chc_shcf.html and www.dh.gov.hk/english/tele/tele_chc/tele_chc_shcm.html.

     Meanwhile, the DH's Integrated Treatment Centre in Kowloon Bay, and the Hospital Authority's Special Medical Clinics at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital will continue to provide Mpox vaccination services for their clients.

     â€‹For more details, please visit the CHP's page on Mpox.

     The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) today (August 7) noted that the Scout Association of Hong Kong (SAHK) activated its emergency plan and decided to make arrangements for members participating in the World Scout Jamboree held at Saemangeum, Korea, to leave the campsite on or before August 9, as Typhoon Khanun is approaching Korea. Members will be relocated to a safe location and return to Hong Kong as early as possible. The HYAB urges the SAHK to implement relevant measures to ensure the safety of all participating members, particularly taking the health and safety of young members as the prime consideration.

     Since high temperatures persisted in the campsite and the local weather is expected to deteriorate rapidly, the HYAB has been keeping in close contact with the SAHK in the past few days and expressed concern over the health and safety of participating members. The HYAB provided assistance to the SAHK immediately after its decision, including liaising with the Immigration Department and the relevant airline such that the SAHK could arrange return trips for its members expeditiously. 

     The HYAB expressed grave concern over some SAHK members who may plan to stay behind to participate in events that have not yet been cancelled and arrange activities on their own. The HYAB urges again the SAHK to adopt appropriate measures to advise and assist members to immediately return to Hong Kong before the typhoon comes.

     The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, chaired the second meeting of the Committee on Innovation, Technology and Industry Development (CITID) this afternoon (August 7).

     At the meeting, members were briefed on the development of the San Tin Technopole, including the new sites for innovation and technology (I&T) use in the San Tin area and the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park at the Loop, and shared their insights and suggestions on relevant matters.

     Moreover, in conducting the new round of manpower projection, representatives of the Labour and Welfare Bureau also listened to members' views on the manpower outlook and skill demands of the I&T industry in future.

     Professor Sun said, "Infrastructure and talent are essential elements in driving I&T development. The Government is forging ahead with the development of the San Tin Technopole in the Northern Metropolis to provide space for the I&T industry and push forward the economy towards high-quality development. On talent, the new round of manpower projection can help the Government formulate appropriate talent policies in future. We will continue to strengthen our efforts in nurturing, attracting and retaining talent to support the development of I&T in Hong Kong."

     Established on March 3, 2023, the CITID advises the Government on the directions and strategies as set out in the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint on promoting development of I&T in Hong Kong, and enhances co-operation among stakeholders.

    

     Sport For All Day 2023, organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), was held successfully yesterday (August 6). Nearly 200 000 people participated in free recreation and sports programmes at designated venues and enjoyed free use of the LCSD's leisure facilities as well as a live webcast. They also showed support to Hong Kong athletes participating in the Hangzhou 19th Asian Games.

     "Members of the public supported the event in person. More than 160 000 people used our free facilities yesterday. A usage rate of around 99 per cent was recorded for the main arenas of sport centres. More than 74 000 people also enjoyed swimming for free at LCSD swimming pools," a spokesman for the LCSD said today (August 7).

     More than 21 000 people took part in a variety of free recreation and sports programmes at designated sports centres in the 18 districts, which included fitness corners, sports activities for parents, children and adolescents, health talks, as well as sports demonstrations and fun games for the elderly and persons with disabilities.

     The focal activity of Sport For All Day this year was "fitness exercise for wellness". The LCSD organised a series of physical fitness demonstrations and play-in sessions, and arranged a live webcast yesterday via the dedicated website (www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/sfad) and the "LCSD Plusss" Facebook page (www.facebook.com/LCSDPlusss). More than 15 000 viewers joined the sports demonstrations through online platforms in real time. Members of the public can revisit the sports videos on the website to share the fun of sports anytime and anywhere.

     The LCSD will continue to promote sport for all in the community, encourage people of all ages and abilities to engage in sports activities and develop a culture of regular exercise.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 7) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection and reminded the community to heighten vigilance against influenza.

     The case involves a 16-year-old boy with underlying illness. He has presented with fever, cough and vomiting since August 4 and attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Tseung Kwan O Hospital the next day (August 5) due to worsening symptoms, and was transferred to United Christian Hospital for management on the same day. His respiratory specimen was positive for influenza A (H3) virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with shock. He is in stable condition after treatment and is still being hospitalised.

     Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. His home contacts are currently asymptomatic. The CHP's investigations are ongoing.

     A spokesman for the CHP said, "Influenza can cause serious illnesses in high-risk individuals and even healthy persons. Seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) is recommended for all persons aged 6 months or above except those with known contraindications. Persons at higher risk of getting influenza and its complications, including the elderly and children, should receive SIV early. As it takes about two weeks to develop antibodies, members of the public are advised to receive SIV early for protection against seasonal influenza. Please see details of the vaccination schemes on the CHP's website."

     A person who gets influenza and COVID-19 at the same time may be more seriously ill and would have a higher risk of death. It is important to receive both SIV and COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible, in particular for children and elderly persons residing in the community or residential care homes. The public should also maintain good personal and environmental hygiene against influenza and other respiratory illnesses and note the following:
 

• Surgical masks can prevent transmission of respiratory viruses from ill persons. It is essential for persons who are symptomatic (even if having mild symptoms) to wear a surgical mask;
• For high-risk persons (e.g. persons with underlying medical conditions or persons who are immunocompromised), wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
• Avoid touching one's eyes, mouth and nose;
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
• When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
• Cover the mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly into a lidded rubbish bin, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
• Maintain good indoor ventilation;
• When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending classes at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly; and
• Maintain a balanced diet, perform physical activity regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.

     â€‹The public may visit the CHP's influenza page and weekly COVID-19 & Flu Express for more information.