DH urges public to stay vigilant against new Mpox strain following detection of suspected local case in UK
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In response to the detection of a confirmed case of new Mpox (also known as Monkeypox) strain (Clade Ib) who was suspected locally infected in the United Kingdom (UK), the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (April 8) reminded members of the public to heighten vigilance, avoid close physical contact with persons suspected of contracting Mpox and seek medical advice as soon as possible if symptoms appear. High-risk target groups are advised to receive Mpox vaccinations.
According to the UK Health Security Agency, a patient residing in the North East of the UK was confirmed positive for new Mpox strain (Clade Ib) last month (March). The patient had no travel history prior to the onset of symptoms and no reported link with previously confirmed cases. The UK health authority has followed up contacts of the patient and no further cases identified. This is the first case in which a new Mpox strain has been detected outside Africa but without links with case in Africa.
Following the discovery of the new Mpox strain (Clade Ib) with sustained transmission in Africa at the end of 2023, it has exported to countries outside Africa. At present, there are imported and import-related cases identified in 15 countries in Asia, Europe and North America, with the vast majority of cases having travel history to Africa. There is no evidence of large-scale outbreaks of new Mpox strain (Clade Ib) outside Africa at the moment.
Hong Kong has not yet detected any new Mpox strain (Clade Ib) cases. Since 2022, a total of 72 Mpox cases (58 local and 14 imported) have been recorded in Hong Kong, of which four cases were recorded this year. All cases were male. Epidemiological investigation showed that most cases involved men who have sex with men (MSM) or bisexual with history of high-risk sexual behaviours, including having sex with strangers or unsafe sex.
Hong Kong has put in place the Preparedness and Response Plan for Mpox (the Plan) since June 2022. Subsequent to the confirmation of the first Mpox case in September 2022, the Government activated the alert response level under the Plan and implemented preventive measures accordingly, including enhanced surveillance, strengthening port health measures, quarantine preparedness and hospital preparedness. Mechanisms are in place in Hong Kong to ensure swift and interdepartmental responses to public health threats from Mpox when necessary.
The CHP urged the public to heighten vigilance and avoid high-risk sexual practices, including unprotected sex, sex with unknown persons or having multiple sexual partners. If symptoms appear, seek medical advice as soon as possible and avoid high-risk contact with others to reduce the risk of Mpox transmission.
The CHP has set up an Mpox telephone hotline (2125 2373), which operates from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, excluding public holidays. Those who suspect or are concerned that they may have had high-risk contact with confirmed cases, particularly men who have sex with men or those who have sexual practices with strangers, can use the hotline to make enquiries and receive relevant health advice.
Furthermore, the DH provides vaccination services to high-risk groups of Mpox, including individuals with high-risk sexual practices, e.g. having multiple sexual partners, sex workers, or having a history of sexually transmitted infection within the past 12 months. The high-risk target groups can receive Mpox walk-in vaccinations at any of the DH’s Social Hygiene Service Clinics (SocHS) (namely Chai Wan SocHS, Wan Chai Male SocHS, Wan Chai Female SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Male SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Female SocHS, Yung Fung Shee SocHS, Fanling SocHS and Tuen Mun SocHS) and the DH’s Yau Ma Tei Integrated Treatment Centre.
Meanwhile, the DH’s Kowloon Bay Integrated Treatment Centre and the Hospital Authority’s Special Medical Clinics at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital also provide Mpox vaccination services for their clients.
For more details, please visit the CHP’s page on Mpox and Mpox Vaccination Programme.
The CHP will continue to closely monitor international and local situations of Mpox and take corresponding precautionary measures when appropriate to lower the risk of Mpox transmission.