Hong Kong’s fourth local chikungunya case ‘may be linked to new infection source’
Medical expert says case is likely to represent ‘new source of infection not linked to previous three local cases’
Hong Kong’s fourth locally acquired chikungunya fever case could have resulted from a new source of infection unrelated to previous ones, a leading medical expert has said, adding that heightened surveillance by authorities may uncover more patients.
Professor Jasper Chan Fuk-woo of the University of Hong Kong’s microbiology department issued the warning on Friday, a day after a 68-year-old woman living in Shau Kei Wan was listed as the city’s fourth local case.
“Based on the epidemiological investigation findings released so far, this new case likely represents a new source of infection not linked to the previous three local cases,” he told the Post.
“Genomic analysis of the virus strain should provide further information on this,” he said, adding that such a discovery raised concerns of undetected ongoing transmission chains.
The latest locally infected patient developed joint pain on Monday and sought help at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital in Chai Wan after suffering from a fever and a rash the next day.
Health authorities said she had no travel history for the past two months, adding that her residence and usual activity areas did not overlap with neighbourhoods where existing cases had been found in recent months.