Update on chikungunya fever

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health announced that as of 5pm today (October 23), one new case of chikungunya fever (CF) had been recorded.

Latest case information

The case involves a 52-year-old male living in Kwun Tong District. A preliminary investigation revealed that he visited Foshan in Guangdong alone between October 17 and 21. He developed joint pain since October 21. He sought medical attention at a private hospital on October 22 and Kwun Tong Family Medicine Integrated Centre on October 23. His blood sample tested positive for the chikungunya virus upon laboratory testing. The patient was admitted for treatment in a mosquito-free environment. He is now in stable condition.

The patient has one household contact, who is currently asymptomatic and under medical surveillance.

Since the patient stayed in Guangdong Province during his incubation period, the CHP considered that he 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 Guangdong Province.

Latest surveillance data

So far this year, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 43 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.

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, as well as at locations visited after the onset of symptoms. These measures include:

The CHP urged schools to follow the FEHD’s anti-mosquito guidelines to strengthen efforts to clear stagnant water on school premises and eliminate mosquito breeding sites. It is also imperative to remind staff members and students to consistently implement mosquito prevention and personal protective measures to guard against the spread of mosquito-borne diseases within school premises.

Additionally, the CHP’s Port Health Division continues to step up inspections at boundary control points and remind 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 call1823in 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.

Speech by CS at 2025 Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival opening ceremony

Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival today (October 23):

Peter (Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Dr Peter Lam), Allan (Representative of the Bordeaux Wine Council, Mr Allan Sichel), ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening. A big welcome to the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, the 13th happy edition!

We have all the ingredients for four fabulous days and nights of wining and dining under the sun and the stars. And this year, ladies and gentlemen, you can party until midnight every night.

I’m told some 150 000 people, from Hong Kong, the Mainland, the Asian region and around the world will take part in this year’s Wine & Dine Festival, here to enjoy the stunning, harbour-side setting and the wide range of international and local offerings.

As the Chief Executive announced in his recent Policy Address, this year’s Wine & Dine Festival is an enhanced version. More than 300 fine wine and food booths, from 31 countries and regions, are here – waiting for you and your taste buds. It’s all part of the Government’s efforts to showcase Hong Kong as an international culinary hub. Something we clearly don’t have to tell you.

As Peter noted, this year’s Festival welcomes the return of the Grand Wine Pavilion, featuring more than 100 exceptional Old and New World wines chosen by renowned wine critic James Suckling, and offering you a rare opportunity to sample hand-picked wines and enjoy a refined tasting experience.

And, yes, Gourmet Avenue is back and bigger than ever. A dozen of this city’s top restaurants – counting 13 Michelin stars and seven Black Pearl diamonds among them – will serve up Cantonese, Chinese, French, Nordic-Japanese, pizza and more, all in one place.

Then there’s the Tasting Room, where five celebrated chefs from around the world come together in a special collaboration.

I know you will enjoy it all, ladies and gentlemen. Every last memorable bite, bottle and moment of this year’s Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival.

Once you have enjoyed the food and wine, we invite you to take some time to explore the rest of Hong Kong. Our city truly has it all. You can discover our vibrant arts and cultural scene, explore our rich heritage, relax in our beautiful country parks, have fun at our world-class theme parks, or enjoy fantastic shopping. There is always so much more to see and do.

My thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the Bordeaux Wine Council, and all the many devoted organisers and sponsors who have contributed to the success of this spectacular festival. Together, we are making Hong Kong a true gathering place for food and wine lovers from all over the world.

And while you are enjoying the vibrant life of our city, I would like to take this opportunity to call upon all of you from Hong Kong to cast your votes in the upcoming Legislative Council election to be held on December 7. By casting your vote, you can play a part in shaping the future of this community we all love. Let us elect a team of patriotic, capable, and dedicated legislators who will work tirelessly to serve the people of Hong Kong and contribute to our country.

Ladies and gentlemen, enjoy the party, beautiful Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong, the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. That certainly includes fine food and wine enjoyed in the very best of company. Cheers!