In response to the recent spike in chikungunya fever (CF) cases in multiple regions worldwide, the Centre for Health Protection’s Scientific Committee on Vector-borne Diseases met today to review the recent epidemiological data and corresponding prevention and control strategies for CF in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong recently logged its first imported CF case this year, involving a 12-year-old boy who had travelled to Foshan, Guangdong.

The scientific committee said Hong Kong has a high risk of further imported CF cases, leading to the potential risk of local transmission.

Due to the high summer temperatures and rainfall, mosquito infestation are likely to be aggravated in Hong Kong, the committee explained, adding that citizens travel more frequently in the summer holiday period to regions where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic.

The committee stressed that the Government has rolled out preventive and control measures against CF, and it endorsed these in a consensus statement.

The measures include surveillance of global and neighbouring regions’ CF situations, enhancing local testing capabilities, and strengthening vector surveillance and mosquito control.

The committee also agreed that prompt epidemiological investigations and vector surveys are useful.

In relation to port health, the committee said it shared the Government’s view that inspections at boundary control points should be maintained, and that health education for outgoing and returning travellers should be strengthened.

It also agreed that information on CF should be provided through various channels, and the effectiveness of CF vaccines should be monitored.

The committee affirmed that Hong Kong’s multi-pronged approach on emergency preparedness has effectively prevented local CF transmission to date. It added that sustained implementation of these measures is crucial to address importation risks.