The Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection (CHP) has reported a rise in dengue cases in recent weeks. Between November 22 and 28, five new cases were recorded, four of which were imported from Guangdong Province (Foshan, Jiangmen, and Zhongshan) and the Philippines. The remaining case was locally transmitted, detected in an area near Lung Hang Estate. Since the beginning of 2024, Hong Kong has accumulated a total of 155 cases, compared to 62 for the entirety of 2023.
This increase aligns with a global trend of rising dengue cases, particularly in Asia, with countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore reporting higher numbers than the previous year. The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted that the number of dengue cases reached record levels in 2024, surpassing 13 million worldwide. In neighboring Guangdong Province, the situation is critical, with over 500 local cases recorded in the last week of November.
In response, Hong Kong authorities have intensified control measures against the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the primary vector of the virus. Travelers arriving from endemic areas are advised to use insect repellent for 14 days after arrival and to seek medical consultation if symptoms appear. Additionally, health talks and free antibody testing for dengue have been scheduled in affected communities.
