Hong Kong activates monkeypox response plan as resident returning from overseas confirmed as city’s first case
- Authorities say man reported feeling unwell while under hotel quarantine and has developed monkeypox symptoms such as a rash
- Patient is a Hongkonger returning from trip to multiple countries, officials add
Dr Chuang Shuk-kwan of the Centre for Health Protection on Tuesday said the city had implemented the first of a three-tier response plan, requiring the government to strengthen health surveillance measures at borders and distribute information about the virus. Even as the government raised its alert level, Chuang stressed monkeypox was transmitted in a very different way to Covid-19.
“We want to be more prudent as this is the first case … but no [flight passengers or hotel staff] need to undergo quarantine as they were not identified as close contacts,” Chuang said.
The Department of Health said the monkeypox patient was a Hong Kong resident who had recently travelled to various parts of the world, including Canada and the United States, where he was suspected to have contracted the disease.
The resident began to exhibit symptoms, such as a rash, swollen lymph nodes and sore throat, from August 30, but flew to the Philippines on September 2 and returned to Hong Kong on Philippine Airlines flight 300 on Monday, according to officials.
He reported feeling unwell on Monday while undergoing quarantine at Ramada Hong Kong Harbour View and was sent to Queen Mary Hospital for treatment, they said, adding he was in stable condition and being isolated.
Chuang said the patient had been involved in some high-risk activities during his travels, without disclosing further details.