Hong Kong has recorded 21 mpox cases since August — accounting for 70 per cent of this year’s total — as health officials expand vaccination for people at higher risk.
The Centre for Health Protection announced another confirmed infection on Saturday, 10 October, bringing the 2026 total to 30.
The latest patient, a 29-year-old man, is in a stable condition. Staff spotted his symptoms when he attended an outreach vaccination session and arranged hospital treatment.
Vaccination expanded
The CHP has added a vaccination centre and outreach services. Around 360 people at higher risk received the vaccine over the preceding two weeks.
Investigators said all 21 patients recorded since August reported higher-risk sexual exposure. Most had not been vaccinated.
Some infections had matching viral genetic sequences, suggesting possible shared sources, although the latest investigation remains ongoing.
Who can get vaccinated?
Hong Kong’s vaccination programme offers voluntary vaccination to eligible residents at higher risk, including people with multiple sexual partners, sex workers and those with a sexually transmitted infection in the previous 12 months.
The programme also covers eligible healthcare staff and laboratory workers at occupational risk, alongside close contacts of confirmed cases.
CHP guidance generally specifies two doses, with one dose for people previously vaccinated against smallpox.
Ordinary social contact
The CHP says ordinary social contact does not transmit mpox. Anyone with a rash, fever or swollen lymph nodes should seek medical attention and avoid contact involving affected skin or body fluids.
