Guangdong outbreak gives bite to anti-mossie warning
Wong Hoi-kei said that while Hong Kong has seen no Chikungunya cases in the past five years, the risk of imported infections remains due to frequent regional travel. Photo: RTHK
An epidemiologist on Thursday is urging the public to take anti-mosquito precautions, especially during hot and rainy weather, following an outbreak in July of a mosquito-borne disease in Shunde, Guangdong, caused by imported cases
The Centre for Health Protection reported on Wednesday that more than 220,000 cases of Chikungunya fever have been recorded globally across 14 countries and regions, including approximately 80 fatalities, as of early June.
Speaking on an RTHK radio programme, Wong Hoi-kei from the centre said that while Hong Kong has seen no Chikungunya cases in the past five years, the risk of imported infections remains due to frequent regional travel.
He said authorities will implement comprehensive monitoring and control measures.
"We urge everyone, especially now as students finish their exams and schools are on summer break, to be cautious since many may travel to various places worldwide," Wong said.
"There are cases of mosquito-borne diseases globally, not just Chikungunya fever, so it's important to prevent mosquito bites and take preventive measures."
"To prevent these mosquito-borne diseases, you should use insect repellent and wear loose, light-coloured clothing."
He also stressed the importance of draining stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed.
Wong further recommended that people feeling unwell after returning from a trip should seek prompt medical attention and inform their doctor of their travel history.
He said Chikungunya fever – which can be transmitted to humans through bites from infected Asian tiger mosquitoes, a common species in Hong Kong – has symptoms similar to dengue fever that include rashes and fever.
"Some infected individuals may experience severe joint pains, leading to significant physical discomfort," Wong said.
"Generally, symptoms may last for a few days [after which] most healthy individuals can see a noticeable improvement."
Wong said there is currently no vaccine for the disease.
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