Hong Kong reports 20th case of measles infection this year as hundreds of airport workers scramble for vaccine

Hong Kong recorded another measles infection on Sunday, as hundreds of airport workers rushed to take the vaccine over the weekend after at least five infections were linked to the facility.

The latest incident, involving a 27-year-old Hong Kong man, brought the number of measles cases reported in the city to 20 this year.

The Centre for Health Protection set up a vaccination station at Hong Kong International Airport on Saturday after it emerged that at least five of the highly contagious cases were related to the airport. Those infected included two Cathay Pacific Airways staff members, two baggage handlers and a security guard.

The centre said the latest victim had flown to Fukuoka, Japan, during his incubation period. The man, who was reported to have been vaccinated, was not a member of airport staff. More information was also given on the case of a 41-year-old Cathay Pacific pilot. During the period when he could infect others, he had been on flights between Hong Kong, Manila, Singapore and Bangkok.

A photograph taken on Sunday by the Staffs and Workers Union of Hong Kong Civil Airlines showed a long queue at the vaccination station located in a restricted area of the airport.

“Many of us were a bit worried because [measles] is contagious and could affect our families,” said Li Wing-foo, the union’s vice-chairman.