‘No need to panic’: Hong Kong mpox vaccination centre opens for high-risk groups, amid call for calm from experts, NGOs
- Hong Kong has recorded a total of 19 cases of zoonotic disease previously known as monkeypox, with 12 in July alone
- Concern groups urge individuals at risk to get vaccinated, and make sure to know their sex partners
“The risk of infection is low because the outbreak is small in scale and localised to high-risk groups, mainly men who have sex with men,” said Dr Leung Chi-chiu, an infectious diseases expert.
His assurance came after the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) opened a dedicated mpox vaccination centre in Argyle Street, Mong Kok, on Thursday.
Hong Kong has recorded a total of 19 cases of the zoonotic disease previously known as monkeypox, with 12 in July alone.
The CHP urged the public to heighten vigilance and avoid close physical contact with people suspected of contracting the disease.
The 12 new infections were locally transmitted and three cases discovered on Thursday and Friday had high-risk exposure in Hong Kong during the incubation period, the CHP confirmed.
All cases had “conducted high-risk sexual practices with men” including intercourse with strangers, a government statement said.
