The Government will publish a notice in the gazette next week to include monkeypox as a statutorily notifiable infectious disease and is formulating a preparedness and response plan to keep hazards at bay.

Noting that Hong Kong has not recorded any monkeypox human infection cases so far, the Government said human infection cases have been reported worldwide and the World Health Organization (WHO) has reminded governments around the world to be well-prepared.

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) has enhanced surveillance on monkeypox since May. Apart from further communication with the Hospital Authority with regard to notification matters, letters were sent to all doctors and private hospitals in Hong Kong to request notification of suspected cases so as to facilitate epidemiological investigations and isolation in a timely manner.

The CHP website has also been updated to provide information on monkeypox.

A notice will be gazetted next week to include monkeypox as a statutorily notifiable infectious disease in Schedule 1 of the Prevention & Control of Disease Ordinance and the notice will take effect on the same day.

If a doctor has reason to suspect there is a case of a scheduled infectious disease listed in Schedule 1 of the ordinance, the doctor must report it to the Department of Health.

Additionally, the Government is drawing up a plan to set out preparation and response arrangements in case of an emergence or even an outbreak of monkeypox cases in Hong Kong.

A three-tier response level of Alert, Serious and Emergency, will be activated based on risk assessment and the disease's health impact on the community. The response plan will be promulgated next week.

The WHO does not recommend travel restriction measures in light of monkeypox at this stage. As far as Hong Kong is concerned, if patients are found with monkeypox-related symptoms, medical practitioners will carry out appropriate investigations and follow up accordingly.

The Government will maintain close contact with the WHO and carefully monitor the monkeypox infection cases recorded overseas and heed the organisation's latest recommendations.

The symptoms of monkeypox are similar to those of smallpox but in milder form. It is generally transmitted through direct or indirect contact but not through short-lived contact with respiratory droplets like COVID-19 and patients usually recover on their own.

Since May, confirmed and suspected cases of monkeypox have been reported in places such as Europe, America and Australia. There have been no deaths so far.

The CHP reminds the public that proper personal and hand hygiene can help prevent getting infected. Smallpox vaccination, commonly known as "cowpox", can prevent infection of monkeypox, it added.

People who need to travel to places affected by monkeypox should avoid physical contact with sick people or animals, wear protective clothing and equipment when taking care of sick people or handling animals and wash their hands after these procedures.

All animal products must also be thoroughly cooked before being eaten. People with any suspicious symptoms should seek prompt medical advice.