Currently, there are no rapid test products on the market that have been certified by international health authorities for public use in self-testing for chikungunya fever (CF), the Department of Health's Centre for Health Protection Controller Dr Edwin Tsui said today.

Dr Tsui reminded people who suspect they may be infected with CF to seek medical advice promptly and avoid self-testing, which can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Noting that some online advertisements claim to sell rapid test products for CF that can be used by the public for self-testing, he said the department has immediately contacted the manufacturer concerned, who subsequently confirmed that the product is not intended for self-testing by the public. The manufacturer has also notified the suppliers in Hong Kong to suspend retail sales of the product in the city.

Dr Tsui also urged the public not to self-medicate, particularly with aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, as these drugs may cause serious side effects, e.g. increasing the risk of haemorrhage.

Furthermore, the department noted that a local research institution is actively developing rapid test products for CF.

It has proactively contacted the institution concerned to learn more about the performance and quality of these test products, and has encouraged the institution to apply to list its tested products under the department's Medical Device Administrative Control System.

As of 5pm today, no new imported case of CF has been recorded.