Chikungunya fever risks could rise during National Games, Hong Kong expert warns

Professor Jasper Chan Fuk-woo, of the University of Hong Kong’s department of microbiology, said that while the situation had improved compared with a peak in infections recorded earlier in mainland China, chikungunya transmissions in Guangdong province had not been brought under control.

He said the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital frequently received cases of chikungunya infections, including locally acquired ones and those infected elsewhere.

“There was a period when the situation was very serious, with hundreds or even more cases reported every day. The situation is gradually being controlled but it is not yet completely under control, which will take time,” he told the Post.

Chan said Hong Kong would face risks of transmissions of the mosquito-borne disease during the National Games to be co-hosted by the city, Guangdong and Macau from November 9 to 21.

“With the increased traffic flow between the mainland cities of the Greater Bay Area and Hong Kong and more frequent trips of Hongkongers to other cities within the bay area, the risks will inevitably become higher,” he said.