Imported chikungunya cases will rise steadily in Hong Kong, leading expert warns
Dr Joseph Tsang flags high-risk areas, while Lei Tung Estate residents say they are not too worried as preventive measures are ‘thorough’
Hong Kong is expected to experience an increase in imported chikungunya fever cases, a leading specialist has said, calling on the public to avoid travelling to high-risk areas after the city recorded three more infections.
“Imported cases [of chikungunya fever] are expected to increase steadily,” Tsang told a radio programme, two days after the city experienced its second-longest black rainstorm warning on record.
“Residents should also be responsible and do their best to avoid visiting high-risk areas.”
The disease expert said that since many Hongkongers lived in Guangdong province, where infections were rising, the number of imported cases would increase if people returned to the city for treatment.
Chikungunya fever is spread by mosquito bites, with those infected typically developing fever and joint pain that can last for months or even years. Other potential symptoms include muscle pain, nausea and rashes.