Health authorities have stepped up screening efforts for chikungunya fever at the border, conducting temperature checks for people coming to the city.

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) also said it would be in close contact with airlines and the travel industry to "provide the latest disease information and health advice in a timely manner".

In a statement, the centre said its port health division has begun to conduct more frequent inspections at boundary control points to ensure good environmental hygiene and the effective implementation of mosquito-control measures.

"Staff members [on Monday] conducted inspection at MTR Lok Ma Chau station and its vicinity with staff members of the MTR Corporation Limited and recommended anti-mosquito measures," the statement said.

"In addition, staff members also conduct temperature screening for inbound travellers. Any travellers with fever or related symptoms will be assessed for their health condition and referred to hospitals for follow-up when necessary."

Hong Kong earlier recorded its first imported case of chikungunya fever in six years, with a 12-year-old boy catching the mosquito-borne disease after he visited Foshan in Guangdong province.

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said it has asked contractors of construction sites located close to the boy's home at On Tat Estate in Kwun Tong to remove stagnant water to eliminate mosquito breeding places.

"The contractors have taken follow-up actions, and in view of the recent heavy rainfall, removed stagnant water and taken relevant measures, such as placing temephos sand granules to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes," a spokesperson said.

The department also carried out mosquito control operations in an area within 250-metres of the housing estate, as well as intensive fogging in scrubby areas.
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Last updated: 2025-08-04 HKT 22:38