Hong Kong health authorities report investigating two confirmed mpox (aka monkeypox) cases, and strongly urged high-risk target groups to receive Mpox vaccinations.
Details on the two cases are as follows:
The first case involves a 32-year-old male who developed a mild fever on August 29. He later developed rashes on various parts of his body, including his face, trunk, limbs and genital area. As his symptoms persisted, he sought medical attention at a private clinic and the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital on September 7. According to information provided by the patient, he had high-risk exposure with a male stranger in Hong Kong during the incubation period.
The second case involves a 28-year-old male who developed papules on his genital area since September 4. As his symptoms persisted, he sought medical treatment at a social hygiene service clinic (SocHS) under the Department of Health on September 7. According to information provided by the patient, he had high-risk exposure when he was outside Hong Kong during the incubation period.
Both of their clinical specimens were tested positive for monkeypox virus upon laboratory testing by the Centre for Health Protection’s (CHP) Public Health Laboratory Services Branch. The CHP has arranged them to receive isolation treatment at hospitals. They are currently in stable condition. No epidemiological linkages between these cases or confirmed Mpox cases earlier recorded in Hong Kong have been identified so far.
Since 2022, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 102 Mpox cases (80 local cases and 22 imported cases), including the above-mentioned two cases. All patients were males. Epidemiological investigations revealed that most cases had high-risk sexual behavior, including having sex with strangers or having sex without wearing condoms.
The Mpox vaccine can prevent infection and severe disease. The Department of Health provides Mpox vaccination services for high-risk groups. The following high-risk target groups are eligible for Mpox vaccinations on a voluntary basis:
individuals with high-risk sexual practices, e.g. having multiple sexual partners, sex workers, or having a history of sexually transmitted infection within the past 12 months;
healthcare workers responsible for caring for patients with confirmed Mpox;
laboratory personnel handling zoonotic pox viruses; and
animal care personnel with high risk of exposure in case of Mpox occurrences in animals in Hong Kong.