Hong Kong's First Case of Monkeypox Discovered

Hong Kong has discovered the city’s first case of monkeypox, according to the Centre for Health Protection on Sept. 6. The case involves a 30-year-old man inbound from the Philippines via flight PR300 of Philippine Airlines on Sept. 5.

While undergoing designated hotel quarantine at the Ramada Hong Kong Harbour View in Sai Ying Pun, the patient discovered symptoms of a severe sore throat, a skin rash, as well as affected lymph nodes. He has since been sent to Queen Mary Hospital in the district and has been completely barred from contact with the community.

The Public Health Laboratory Services Branch collected his test samples, which showed a positive result on Sept. 6. The man is currently showing a stable condition and is continuing with treatment at the hospital. The World Health Organisation has been alerted of this incident, and local doctors and hospitals have been notified to be aware of potential disease contacts.

After initial investigation, it was found that the patient had also travelled to the U.S and Canada between the months of August and September. He has not been recorded to have come in contact with any confirmed patients during his incubation period, nor has there been any recorded close contacts in Hong Kong.

To better track any other potential cases, and to safeguard against the disease spreading, crew members and passengers from flight PR300 are advised to stay vigilant of developing similar symptoms. Signs of monkeypox include rash, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle pain, and severe headaches.

Hong Kong is expected to receive an initial shipment of the monkeypox vaccine within September.