Hong Kong on alert after first case of Zika virus infection confirmed
The patient had travelled to the Caribbean, where she was bitten by mosquitoes
Hong Kong health authorities are investigating the city’s first case of Zika virus infection – an expatriate woman who travelled to the Caribbean this month.
The 38-year-old patient is currently in a stable condition in an isolation ward at United Christian Hospital in Kwun Tong. It was understood she had refused to cooperate with the Department of Health at first, and police had to be called in to help.
The woman, who lives in Lohas Park in Tseung Kwan O and works at the International Finance Centre in Central, had a good health record, but developed symptoms such as joint pains and red eyes since last Saturday.
She sought help at Matilda Medical Centre in Central on Tuesday, but did not require admission. Her blood and urine samples tested positive for the virus on Thursday night and the Department of Health’s Centre for Health Protection was informed.
“Matilda Medical Centre has strict infection control measures,” a statement from the centre said. “We have also stepped up measures on mosquito control in all facilities. Education on prevention of the Zika virus will also be reinforced to our patients, staff and visitors.”
The woman had travelled to the Caribbean island of Saint-Barthelemy from August 6 to August 20, during which she was bitten by mosquitoes, before returning to Hong Kong on August 22.