The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said today (May 24) 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 27-year-old male patient with good past health. He had developed skin rash since May 19 and visited a general practitioner on the same day. He attended Princess Margaret Hospital yesterday (May 23) and was admitted on the same day. He is now in stable condition.

     According to the patient, he had no travel history during the incubation period. He had high-risk contacts during his visit to Cloakroom Sauna, a recreational premises on Observatory Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, during the incubation period. An initial investigation revealed that no epidemiological linkages between this case and other confirmed cases recorded in Hong Kong earlier have been found so far. The CHP is continuing its epidemiological investigations of the case and will report the case to the World Health Organization.

     The CHP appeals again to high-risk target groups to receive Mpox vaccination with a view to lowering the risk of infection or the possibility of having more severe symptoms after infection. Persons who experience Mpox symptoms (including rashes, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle pain, and severe headaches) or suspect themselves of being infected are advised to seek medical attention and receive treatment at once, and they should not engage in activities with others during which other people may have contact with their skin rash or body fluids. Members of the public should maintain good personal and hand hygiene to prevent virus transmission or infection through contact. They should also avoid close physical contact with persons or animals suspected of infection.

     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. The CHP appeals to the public who have visited the above-mentioned recreational premises within the past three weeks, and those who suspect they have had high-risk contact with confirmed patients, to call the Mpox telephone hotline as soon as possible.

     The DH provides vaccination service for high-risk groups of MPox. 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 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 Kowloon Bay Integrated Treatment Centre and Yau Ma Tei Integrated Treatment Centre, and the Hospital Authority's Special Medical Clinics at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital will also provide Mpox vaccination services for their clients.

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

     â€‹The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, and the District Mayor of the Yantian District People's Government, Mr Deng Feibo, leading delegations of the governments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Shenzhen respectively, held the first meeting of the Working Group for Sha Tau Kok (STK) Co-operation Zone under the Task Force for Collaboration on the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy in Shenzhen today (May 24).
      
     At the meeting, the HKSAR Government introduced the latest progress of the opening up of the STK Frontier Closed Area, the progress of the upgrading of the Chung Ying Street Checkpoint and the upcoming plans for promoting the development of cultural tourism in STK under the principle of "low density, high quality". The government of Shenzhen also introduced the latest progress of the development of Shatoujiao in Shenzhen and exchanged views on potential collaboration. After the meeting, both delegations visited Shatoujiao in Shenzhen to learn about the upgrading and transformation plan there.
      
     Mr Yeung said, "STK bears unique historical and cultural origins with rich tourism characteristics. Under the principles of complementarity and mutual benefits, Shenzhen and Hong Kong governments will actively explore co-operation opportunities, and work together to promote the development of tourism in STK."
      
     In the 2023 Policy Address, the Chief Executive proposed to explore with the Shenzhen Municipal Government the establishment of an STK Cultural Tourism Zone. In future, the Tourism Commission will, through the Design District Hong Kong (#ddHK) project, introduce more creative tourism elements and integrate STK's history and culture to create more unique itineraries and tourism products. In addition, the Tourism Commission will continue to promote the two "signature itineraries" related to tourism resources in STK under the Deeper into Hong Kong: Creative Itinerary Design Competition, to highlight the tourism characteristics of STK to visitors.
      
     Officials of the HKSAR Government attending the meeting today also included the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk, the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau, as well as representatives from the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the Tourism Commission, the Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office of the Development Bureau, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, the North District Office, and the Planning Department.

    

     The 8th ICAC Symposium co-hosted by the ICAC and the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (IAACA) concluded today (May 24). In the closing ceremony, the ICAC Commissioner, Mr Woo Ying-ming, in his capacity of President of the IAACA, announced the adoption of the "Hong Kong Declaration on Strengthening International Cooperation in Preventing and Fighting Corruption" (Hong Kong Declaration), calling on international counterparts to stand united in the mission to eradicate corruption and uphold the principles set out in the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).
      
     "Hong Kong's story in the fight against corruption should give us all confidence and belief in our mission. Let us re-affirm our commitment to the shared vision of a world without corruption. Together, we are better. Together, we are stronger. Together, we can chart a new path to combat corruption." Mr Woo said in his closing address.
      
     The symposium also served as the 11th Annual Conference of the IAACA. Mr Woo noted that the Hong Kong Declaration showcased the collective commitment of the members to combat corruption. He also called on international counterparts to leverage the UNCAC to enhance collaboration in the prevention of and fight against corruption. He also emphasised the importance of adopting digital and financial forensics to tackle the increasing complexity of corruption crimes.

     The Hong Kong Declaration also welcomed various international initiatives, including the "Global Resource for Anti-Corruption Education and Youth Empowerment" (GRACE Initiative) proposed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). It also encouraged member organisations to draw reference to the "Global Policy Guide for Strengthening Youth Engagement in Anti-Corruption Initiatives" (Youth Anti-Corruption Policy Guide) jointly developed by the ICAC, the UNODC and the IAACA.
      
     The plenary session this morning was themed "The Power of Youth in Creating a World of Integrity". For the first time, young people from around the world, including members of YouthLED Integrity Advisory Board to the GRACE Initiative, were invited to speak at the panel. Some of them had taken part in the development of the Youth Anti-Corruption Policy Guide.
      
     The young speakers shared how young people could inject new vigour to a global culture of integrity and become integrity leaders as well as anti-corruption champions. About 200 local, mainland and overseas university and secondary school students, as well as ICAC's iElite Youth Leaders were also invited to participate in the session for the first time.
      
     Upon conclusion of the symposium, participants joined a back-to-back anti-corruption training programme co-organised by the Hong Kong International Academy Against Corruption (HKIAAC) and the IAACA. The programme included workshops on law enforcement, education and prevention, as well as visits to ICAC facilities including the Exhibition Hall, the HKIAAC, the Identification Parade Suite, the Video Interview Rooms, mock court and the detention center.
      
     Over 50 participants will join an ICAC delegation, led by the ICAC Commissioner, Mr Woo Ying-ming, and the Deputy ICAC Commissioner and the Head of Operations, Mr Ricky Yau Shu-chun, on a study tour to the city of Changsha in Mainland China from May 26 to 28.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for the Duchess of Kent Children's Hospital at Sandy Bay (DKCH) made the following announcement today (May 24):
 
     Eleven patients (seven males and four females, aged 4 to 39) in a ward of the DKCH have presented with fever or respiratory symptoms since May 13. Appropriate tests were arranged for the patients and their test results were positive for Rhinovirus/Enterovirus. They are now being treated in isolation with stable condition.
 
     Admission to the ward has been suspended and restricted visiting has been imposed. Infection control measures have been stepped up according to the established guidelines. The hospital will continue to closely monitor the other patients in the ward. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for follow-up.

     â€‹The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO), with the support of the Marine Department, held the Taste of Hong Kong reception at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on May 23 (London time).

     In his welcome speech, the Director-General of London ETO, Mr Gilford Law talked about Hong Kong's position as a premier business hub in Asia and a prominent international maritime centre, highlighting that Hong Kong's Shipping Register continues to rank number four in the world, achieving about 130 million gross tonnage. Mr Law also outlined the Action Plan on Maritime and Port Development Strategy and the recent initiatives for supporting the sustainable development of Hong Kong's maritime and port industry. In addition, Mr Law introduced to delegates the exciting culinary and cultural experiences, such as the Dragon Boat Festival, offered by Hong Kong.

     The reception was joined by IMO's Secretary-General, Mr Arsenio Dominguez; the Director of Maritime Safety Division, Mr Hiroyuki Yamada; and the Director of Marine Environment Division, Ms Heike Deggim, and attended by about 300 guests from delegations of IMO Member States, top representatives of international maritime organisations, and key representatives of shipowners in London.