Update on mosquito-borne diseases, chikungunya fever and dengue fever

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (October 24) reported the latest situation of chikungunya fever (CF) and dengue fever (DF).

Chikungunya fever

As of 5pm today, one new case of CF had been recorded.

The case involves a 44-year-old female living in Yuen Long District. A preliminary investigation revealed that she visited Kweiping in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region between September 20 and October 19. She has developed a fever, joint pain and rash since October 22, and sought medical attention at the Accident and Emergency Department of Pok Oi Hospital yesterday (October 23). Her blood sample tested positive for the chikungunya virus upon laboratory testing. The patient is now in stable condition and is being arranged for treatment in a mosquito-free environment.

Since the patient stayed in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region during her incubation period, the CHP considered that she was infected during travel. The case was classified as imported. The CHP’s epidemiological investigation is ongoing, and it has reported the case to the health authority of the Mainland.

So far this year, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 44 confirmed CF cases. All are imported cases. Among which, a patient passed away, while conditions of other patients are mild.

Severe symptoms and deaths caused by CF are extremely rare, with a mortality rate of less than one in 1 000. The occurrence of severe complications is mostly related to the patients’ underlying health conditions. Elderly persons (particularly those aged 65 or above), young children (particularly infants under 1 year old), pregnant women and persons with chronic illnesses (such as hypertension, diabetes or heart disease) are at higher risk of developing complications after contracting CF and may require a longer recovery period. Therefore, members of the public (especially the abovementioned high-risk groups) are advised to seek medical advice promptly if they develop relevant symptoms, particularly a fever, sudden severe joint pain and skin rash, after visiting areas affected by CF.

Since the beginning of 2025, and as of September 30, a total of 445 271 suspected and confirmed CF cases and 155 CF-related deaths have been reported in 40 countries/territories. Cases have been reported in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. CF outbreaks currently occur in many countries worldwide. Members of the public should check the situation of the destinations before travelling abroad.

Dengue fever

From October 17 to yesterday (October 23), the CHP recorded one imported DF case. The patient had travelled to Yunfu in Guangdong Province during the incubation period.

As of yesterday, 50 imported DF cases have been recorded so far this year. A total of 161 cases of DF were recorded in 2024, including 156 imported and five local cases.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global incidence of DF has markedly increased over the past two decades, posing a substantial public health challenge. In 2024, the WHO recorded over 14 million cases, which was a record number. From January to July 2025, over 4 million cases and over 3 000 DF-related deaths have been reported in 97 countries/territories.

DF is prevalent in many neighbouring tourist destinations. Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam have each recorded over 40 000 cases so far this year. Singapore has also recorded over 3 500 cases.Meanwhile, according to the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangdong Province has recorded 2 181 locally infected cases so far this year. A total of 383 cases were recorded in a week between October 6 to 12, with the highest number of cases recorded in Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Chaozhou, Jiangmen and Dongguan.

Detailed information on the latest DF situation in Hong Kong, as well as neighbouring and overseas countries and areas, has been uploaded to the CHPwebsite.

Continuously strengthening prevention and control

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) continues to conduct vector investigations and targeted mosquito control operations, and intensify mosquito prevention and control measures at the residences of recently confirmed patients of DF and CF, as well as at locations visited after the onset of symptoms. These measures include:

​Additionally, the CHP’s Port Health Division continues to step up inspections at boundary control points and reminds cross-boundary public transport operators and other relevant parties to ensure good environmental hygiene and effective implementation of anti-mosquito measures. Furthermore, staff members of the Port Health Division distribute leaflets to travellers, conduct temperature screenings for inbound travellers, conduct health assessments for travellers with fever or related symptoms and refer them to hospitals for follow-ups when necessary.

Proper use of DEET-containing insect repellents or other effective active ingredients can prevent mosquito bites, but the following precautions should be taken when using them:

​The FEHD also appeals to members of the public to continue to stay alert and work together to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures early, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing water in vases and scrubbing their inner surfaces, removing water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week, and properly disposing of containers such as soft drink cans and lunch boxes. The FEHD also advises members of the public and estate management bodies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems, and may visit the following pages for more information: the CF page of theCHPand theTravel Health Service, the latestTravel Health News,tips for using insect repellents, and the CHPFacebook Page,Instagram AccountandYouTube Channel, and also theMosquito Prevention and Control dedicated pageof the FEHD.

Launching ceremony of second-term Care Teams held today

​The Home Affairs Department (HAD) today (October 24) held a launching ceremony for the second-term District Services & Community Care Teams (Care Teams) at the Central Government Offices. The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, accompanied by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, officiated at the ceremony.

At the launching ceremony, Mr Lee said that when he ran in the Chief Executive Election in 2022, he proposed in his election manifesto to set up Care Teams in the 18 districts. Care Teams had already become an integral part of the Government’s efforts to improve district governance. Under the enhanced district governance structure, the District Councils, the “three district committees”, and Care Teams each have well-defined roles while maintaining close co-ordination and synergy in helping those in need. This governance structure enables the Government services to be rooted in the community, reach out to the public and accurately and effectively provide relief measures and solutions. Each Care Team actively provided and organised caring and community activities, reached out and helped the underprivileged, disseminated government information, and assisted the Government in providing relief in times of incidents and emergencies. Mr Lee said the Care Teams serve without seeking reward and without fear of hardship, embodying the spirit of care and compassion.

To further support the work of Care Teams, the Government has set up three additional Care Teams in accordance with district needs and enhanced the key performance indicators (KPIs) for the second-term of service, enabling Care Teams to provide services and activities better tailored to district needs. Under a regularised mode of operation and with increased government funding, the second-term service of Care Teams will further extend the community support network. The Government will also enhance training for Care Teams and facilitate them to strengthen ties and co-operation with government departments, public utilities and district organisations. Mr Lee expressed his hope that the Care Teams would continue to carry forward the spirit and strength of unity, mutual support, resilience and inclusiveness.

Other officiating guests included the Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung, and the Director of Home Affairs, Ms Priscilla To. District Officers of the 18 districts, who are the commanders of Care Teams in their districts, and the representative of all 455 Care Teams also attended the ceremony.

The first-term of Care Team services has completed and all KPIs have been met. Care Teams have made around 610 000 visits to elderly households and other households in need, provided close to 100 000 times of basic home or other support services, organised around 50 000 district-level activities, and their achievements are evident to all.The HAD and District Offices will consolidate the reports of the Care Teams in the first term and let the public know their achievements.

The second-term service of Care Teams will run till September 30, 2027. Building on the established district networks, Care Teams will continue to deepen and broaden their services to further enhance people’s sense of satisfaction and well-being.