HK likely to see imported Chikungunya cases: experts
Yuen Kwok-yung says he expects there will be imported Chikungunya cases in Hong Kong. Photo Courtesy of Commercial Radio.
Hong Kong might see imported cases of Chikungunya fever, infectious disease experts warned on Thursday.
The World Health Organisation has called for urgent action to prevent the mosquito-borne disease, with more than 220,000 infections recorded this year around the world.
There have been at least 3,000 in Foshan in Guangdong, mostly in the Shunde district, while Macau has recorded two imported cases.
Dr Joseph Tsang told an RTHK radio show that Chikungunya fever can lead to serious joint pain that can last for years.
However, he said compared to dengue fever – another mosquito-borne viral disease – Chikungunya is less deadly and less likely to trigger complications.
"Because dengue fever can lower the platelet count, as such, it is more likely to cause bleeding. Therefore, there is a higher chance that it will lead to complications, shock, or develop into a serious case," he said.
"As for Chikungunya fever, it will less likely trigger encephalitis or myocarditis. So the fatality rate and the chance of serious cases in dengue fever seems to be higher."
The doctor said given the number of infections in Shunde and frequent cross-border travel, it is "inevitable" that Hong Kong will see some imported cases.
He added that theoretically, Hong Kong might also see an outbreak of its own.
Microbiologist Yuen Kwok-yung also said he expects to see imported cases in Hong Kong.
"If people return from an epidemic area and have fever, they should see a doctor immediately to check for Chikungunya fever. Because genetic tests can check for the virus in the blood," he told reporters after a Commercial Radio show.
"If there is [an infection], mosquito control work can be carried out near the patient's home, and the patient also needs to put on repellent – DEET. These [measures] can break the chain of infection, so there won't be an outbreak in Hong Kong."
Yuen added that it is crucial for the SAR to take action to control mosquito numbers.
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