Parents sending off their children at Rhenish Church Grace School at Fung Tak Estate on Tuesday morning said they were not worried about chikungunya fever, despite a member of staff there coming down with the illness.

Health officials suspect the woman, 55, could have caught the virus in Hong Kong.

A mother surnamed Ng said she believes the school has taken sufficient precautions since the city's first local infection came to light on Sunday, involving an 82-year-old resident of Fung Tak Estate.

"Actually the school reacted very quickly once the news started reporting about the local case. They sent messages to every parent and asked our children to change into long-sleeved shirts and pants," she said.

"The school says it will also reduce or even stop activities in the playground, and turn on the air-conditioner in classrooms and school halls."

A woman surnamed Chan said there is no need to close schools in the city.

"The teachers and social workers work so hard to help the kids spray mosquito repellent, use hand sanitisers and wash their hands. They are also very caring to the children. There is certainly no need to stop schools," she said.

Meanwhile, a medical expert told RTHK's Backchat programme that while the mosquito-borne disease is rarely fatal, with a mortality rate of less than one in 1,000, some vulnerable groups may be more affected.

"The elderly would be the most vulnerable, those 65 or above and those with chronic illnesses, especially affecting the heart and the lungs. Newborn children as well, those less than one-year-old, and those with a weakened immune system such as pregnant ladies," said Dr Wilson Lam, chairman of the Hong Kong Society for Infectious Diseases.

Lam said people should pick up mosquito prevention habits such as applying repellent and removing any stagnant water in their homes.

He added that the recent cooler weather and reduced rainfall, along with the government's efforts in mosquito control, will help prevent further transmission of chikungunya fever.