Hong Kong Investigating Initial Chikungunya Case of 2025

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health recently announced it is investigating its initial, imported chikungunya fever (CF) case in Hong Kong in 2025.

The patient developed fever, rash, and joint pain following a recent travel history to Foshan City, China. He was admitted for treatment, is now in stable condition, and a blood sample tested positive for the CF virus.

As of August 2, 2025, the CHP reminded members of the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control, and personal protective measures both locally and when travelling outside of Hong Kong.

Over the last few years, mosquitoes have spread the virus that causes chikungunya outbreaks in over 100 countries.

To alert international travelers of this global health risk, the U.S. CDC published a Level 2 Travel Health Advisory on August 1, 2025, regarding an outbreak of chikungunya in Guangdong Province, China. Most of the CF cases have been reported in Foshan City.

The CDC and CHP say people can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites, which includes using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and staying in places with air conditioning or that have screens on the windows and doors. 

Additionally, the CDC states that if you are pregnant, you should reconsider travel to the affected areas, particularly if you are close to delivering your baby. Mothers infected around the time of delivery can pass the virus to their baby before or during delivery.

Newborns infected in this way or by a mosquito bite are at risk for severe illness, including poor long-term outcomes, writes the CDC.

Furthermore, vaccination is recommended for travelers who are visiting an area with a chikungunya outbreak. Two chikungunya vaccines are approved for use in the U.S., and are commercailly available at select retailers.