The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said today (July 19) 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 advised to receive Mpox vaccination.

     The case involves a 36-year-old male patient with underlying illness. He had developed fever since July 12 and a rash since July 14. He visited Ruttonjee Hospital on July 15. The CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch confirmed that his samples tested positive for the virus today. He is still hospitalised and in stable condition.

     An initial investigation revealed that he had visited Tianjin during the incubation period. According to the patient, he had high-risk exposure during his stay there. 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 an infection source investigation. The case will be reported to the relevant authority of the Mainland and 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 rash, 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.

     Currently, high-risk target groups can receive Mpox walk-in vaccinations at any one of the DH's six Social Hygiene Service Clinics (SocHS) (namely Wan Chai Male SocHS, Wan Chai Female SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Male 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.

     Police located a woman who went missing in Wong Tai Sin.

     Kung Yu-heung, aged 70, went missing after she was last seen in Lung Kwong House, Lower Wong Tai Sin Estate on July 10 afternoon. Her family made a report to Police on the next day.

     Police located the woman on Ma Tau Chung Road in Kowloon City on July 16 afternoon. She sustained no injuries and no suspicious circumstances were detected.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (July 19) that Hung Shing Yeh Beach and Pui O Beach in Islands District are temporarily closed until further notice for maintenance of the shark prevention nets. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

     The red flags have been hoisted earlier at the beaches due to big waves.

     The results of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination were released today (July 19). Young persons in custody (PICs) obtained satisfactory results in the examination this year. 
 
     A total of 18 young PICs from Sha Tsui Correctional Institution (STCI), Pik Uk Correctional Institution and Lai King Correctional Institution enrolled in the HKDSE Examination this year. They took a total of 106 examination papers and obtained level 2 or above in 83 papers, or 78.3 per cent of all papers taken. Eight of them met the general entrance requirements for local universities, among whom one candidate at STCI scored 29 marks overall in six subjects taken, with level 5** and 5* in Chinese Language and Liberal Studies respectively.
 
     The exams sat included the four core subjects of Chinese Language, English Language, Mathematics and Liberal Studies as well as the two electives of Economics and Tourism and Hospitality Studies.
 
     The Superintendent of STCI, Mr Chan Man-yat, said, "Study prepares PICs for their reintegration into society, and academic qualifications obtained in public examinations improve their chances of finding jobs or furthering their studies."
 
     Preparation of young PICs for the HKDSE Examination is not an easy task, Mr Chan added. In the process, the PICs demonstrate their determination and perseverance in overcoming learning difficulties. Family support as well as guidance and assistance from the staff and teachers of the Correctional Services Department (CSD) are also very important to them. He encouraged young PICs to continue to seize the chance to study and strive for a better future.
 
     To facilitate continuing education of PICs, the CSD earlier invited representatives of the Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) and eight University Grants Committee-funded universities to attend an information sharing session on tertiary education programmes at correctional institutions to provide information on distance learning programmes offered by the HKMU and tertiary education programmes for more than 100 young PICs, enabling them to have clearer learning directions and strengthening their determination to pursue university education.
 
     The CSD has provided education to help young PICs below 21 years of age to gain accredited qualifications and develop positive values, hoping that they can further their studies, find jobs and reintegrate into society after release.

        

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 is 104 (up 0.6 against yesterday's index).