Hong Kong has recorded a total of nine confirmed chikungunya fever infections so far this year, all of which were imported cases, according to the Centre for Health Protection.
The CHP said no new infections were detected on Sunday as it urged members of the public to take proper anti-mosquito and personal protective measures, especially those returning from regions where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic.
“Individuals experiencing symptoms such as fever or acute joint pain should seek medical advice promptly and inform their doctors of their travel history” the CHP said.
“Do not attempt self-testing, as this may lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment.”
Hong Kong recorded between one and 11 imported cases annually from 2016 to 2019, the CHP said.
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The CHP added that its Port Health Division continued to step up inspections at boundary control points and to remind cross-boundary public transport operators to ensure proper environmental hygiene and effective implementation of anti-mosquito measures.
Port Health Division staff members also conducted temperature screenings and health assessments for travelers with fever or related symptoms.
Controller of the CHP Edwin Tsui Lok-kin reminded members of the public that there are currently no rapid test products on the market that have been certified by international health authorities for public use in self-testing for chikungunya fever.
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People should also promptly seek medical advice if they suspect they are infected and not self-medicate, particularly with aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen), as these may cause serious side effects, including increasing the risk of hemorrhage, he added.