The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (May 30) reported the latest number of dengue fever (DF) cases, and urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.

     From May 23 to yesterday (May 29), the CHP recorded three imported DF cases. The patient had travelled to Thailand (two cases) and the Philippines (one case) respectively during the incubation periods.
 
     Investigations by the CHP revealed that the two imported cases from Thailand were epidemiologically linked, involving a 44-year-old male patient and a 9-year-old girl patient with good past health. The former developed fever and headache since May 24, and the latter developed fever and rash on the same day. They attended Union Hospital on May 25 and were admitted on the same day. They have been in stable condition.
     
     The two patients travelled to Thailand with four other people from May 18 to 23. They had outdoor activities in a rural area, and the two patients recalled mosquito bites there. The four travel companions, who are currently asymptomatic, are under medical surveillance.

     As of yesterday, 25 imported DF cases have been recorded so far this year. A total of 161 cases of DF were recorded in 2024, including 156 imported and five local cases. In 2023, 62 imported cases of DF were recorded.

     According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global incidence of DF has markedly increased over the past two decades, posing a substantial public health challenge. In 2023, over 6.5 million cases and more than 7 300 dengue-related deaths were reported in over 80 countries/territories. In 2024, the WHO recorded over 14 million cases, which was a record number.

     In neighboring areas, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam have each recorded over 10 000 cases so far this year, and Singapore also recorded over 2 000 cases. Meanwhile, according to the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangdong Province has recorded a total of eight local cases this year in Foshan and Zhongshan, since the first local case this year was reported in Foshan in March.

     Detailed information on the latest DF situation in Hong Kong, as well as neighbouring and overseas countries and areas, has been uploaded to the CHP website.

     Members of the public returning from areas affected by DF should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to a doctor.

     The public should take heed of the following advice on mosquito control:
 

• Thoroughly check all gully traps, roof gutters, surface channels and drains to prevent blockage;
• Scrub and clean drains and surface channels with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any deposited mosquito eggs;
• Properly dispose of refuse, such as soft drink cans, empty bottles and boxes, in covered litter containers;
• Completely change the water of flowers and plants at least once a week. The use of saucers should be avoided if possible;
• Level irregular ground surfaces before the rainy season;
• Avoid staying in shrubby areas; and
• Take personal protective measures such as wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and trousers, and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or uncovered areas of the body when doing outdoor activities.

     â€‹â€‹DEET-containing insect repellents are effective and the public should take heed of the tips below:
 

• Read the label instructions carefully first;
• Apply right before entering an area with risk of mosquito bites;
• Apply on exposed skin and clothing;
• Use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children*;
• Apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent; and
• Reapply only when needed and follow the instructions.

     * For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent.

     The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the DF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced today (May 30) that the total assets of the Exchange Fund amounted to HK$3,973.2 billion as at April 30, 2025, HK$5.7 billion lower than that at the end of March 2025. Foreign currency assets decreased by HK$21.1 billion while Hong Kong dollar assets increased by HK$15.4 billion.

     The decline in foreign currency assets was mainly due to withdrawals of Fiscal Reserves placements, which was partly offset by an increase in the month‑end balances of unsettled purchase of securities and interest income from investments. The rise in Hong Kong dollar assets was mainly due to an increase in placements with banks, which was partly offset by mark-to-market revaluation of Hong Kong equities.

     The Currency Board Account shows that the Monetary Base at the end of April 2025 was HK$1,982.8 billion, increased by HK$5.6 billion, or 0.3per cent, from the end of March 2025. The increase was mainly due to the amortisation of discount on Exchange Fund Bills and Notes issued and increase in the outstanding amount of Certificates of Indebtedness.

     The amount of Backing Assets increased by HK$7.7 billion, or 0.4 per cent, to HK$2,193.4 billion at the end of April 2025. The increase was mainly attributable to interest income from investments and the issuance of Certificates of Indebtedness, which were partly offset by mark-to-market revaluation of investments. The Backing Ratio increased from 110.55 per cent at the end of March 2025 to 110.62 per cent at the end of April 2025.

****************************************************************

     At present, four press releases relating to the Exchange Fund's data are issued by the HKMA each month. Three of these releases are issued to disseminate monetary data in accordance with the International Monetary Fund's Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS). The fourth press release, on the Exchange Fund's Abridged Balance Sheet and Currency Board Account, is made in accordance with the HKMA's policy of maintaining a high level of transparency. For the month of May 2025, the scheduled dates for issuing the press releases are as follows:
 

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) released today (May 30) the analytical data on the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's foreign currency reserves and foreign currency liquidity as at the end of April 2025 (Annex). These data are published monthly in the Template on International Reserves and Foreign Currency Liquidity in accordance with the International Monetary Fund's Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS).
 
****************************************************************
 
     At present, four press releases relating to the Exchange Fund's data are issued by the HKMA each month. Three of these releases are issued to disseminate monetary data in accordance with the International Monetary Fund's SDDS. The fourth press release, on the Exchange Fund's Abridged Balance Sheet and Currency Board Account, is made in accordance with the HKMA's policy of maintaining a high level of transparency. For the month of May 2025, the scheduled dates for issuing the press releases are as follows:
      

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     According to statistics published today (May 30) by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, total deposits with authorized institutions increased by 0.6 per cent in April 2025. Among the total, Hong Kong dollar deposits decreased by 0.7 per cent, while foreign currency deposits increased by 1.6 per cent in April, mainly reflecting fund flows of corporates. In the year to end-April, total deposits and Hong Kong dollar deposits increased by 4.1 per cent and 4.4 per cent respectively. Renminbi deposits in Hong Kong increased by 7.4 per cent in April to RMB1,030.9 billion at the end of April, mainly reflecting fund flows of corporates. The total remittance of renminbi for cross-border trade settlement amounted to RMB1,362.1 billion in April, compared with RMB1,184.0 billion in March. It should be noted that changes in deposits are affected by a wide range of factors, such as interest rate movements and fund-raising activities. It is therefore more appropriate to observe the longer-term trends, and not to over-generalise fluctuations in a single month.

     Total loans and advances decreased by 0.2 per cent in April, while increased by 0.5 per cent in the year to end-April. Among the total, loans for use in Hong Kong (including trade finance) and loans for use outside Hong Kong decreased by 0.1 per cent and 0.3 per cent respectively in April. The Hong Kong dollar loan-to-deposit ratio remained virtually unchanged at 72.3 per cent at the end of April, as Hong Kong dollar loans and Hong Kong dollar deposits decreased at a similar pace.

     Hong Kong dollar M2 and M3 both decreased by 0.6 per cent in April, while increased by 6.5 per cent and 6.6 per cent respectively when compared to a year ago. The seasonally-adjusted Hong Kong dollar M1 decreased by 1.0 per cent in April, while increased by 5.5 per cent compared to a year ago, reflecting in part investment-related activities. Total M2 and total M3 both increased by 0.7 per cent in April. Compared to a year earlier, total M2 and total M3 both increased by 9.3 per cent.

     As monthly monetary statistics are subject to volatilities due to a wide range of transient factors, such as seasonal funding demand as well as business and investment-related activities, caution is required when interpreting the statistics.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (May 30) announced that two new melioidosis cases were recorded in the past week (May 23 to 29).

     The first case involves an 88-year-old male with underlying illnesses who lives in Eastern District. He developed a cough in early April. On May 18, he attended Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital due to his health condition and was admitted for treatment on the same day. He subsequently developed a fever after admission. 

     The second case involves a 58-year-old male with good past health who lives in Kwun Tong. He developed an on and off fever, a cough with sputum and shortness of breath on May 8. He attended two hospitals on the Mainland and was admitted for treatment from May 10 to May 21. He returned to Hong Kong and attended Kwong Wah Hospital on May 21 and was admitted for treatment on the same day.

     The clinical samples were of the two cases confirmed to be positive for Burkholderia pseudomallei upon testing.

     The CHP is investigating the infection source of the cases. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing.
 
     So far, seven melioidosis cases have been recorded in Hong Kong this year. In 2024, 23 melioidosis cases were recorded.

     Person-to-person transmission and animal-to-human transmission are rare, but the bacteria causing melioidosis can survive in the local environment. Melioidosis is an endemic disease in Hong Kong, and melioidosis cases have been recorded in Hong Kong each year.
 
     According to literature, melioidosis cases are more common after typhoons or rainstorms. The bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei in soil and muddy water may become exposed to the ground after typhoons or rainstorms, and the bacteria could spread more easily with strong winds or rainstorms. As such, the number of melioidosis cases may increase.

     With this in mind, where practicable, members of the public should stay indoors during typhoons and rainstorms, avoid travelling to areas with potential flooding, and do not wade in or have contact with muddy water and soil. In addition, high-risk individuals should avoid paths near stormwater drains where aerosols may be generated from contaminated water.

     Members of the public should also take the following preventive measures against infection:
 

• Avoid contact with contaminated soil;
• Wear appropriate protective clothing or footwear when participating in activities with possible contact with soil or water, e.g. using gloves and wearing boots. High-risk individuals may also consider wearing a surgical mask;
• Wash or shower after exposure to contaminated water or soil;
• Always clean any wounds as soon as possible and cover them with waterproof dressings;
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water after handling soil or gardening;
• Observe food hygiene and avoid drinking raw water; and
• Travellers can contract the disease through outdoor water sports. Risk of infection can be minimised by avoiding exposure to water sources (such as rivers, ponds or lakes) that might be contaminated.

     â€‹
     â€‹The CHP appealed to members of the public to seek medical advice if they develop symptoms, in particular people with diabetes or other immunocompromising conditions, in order to receive an appropriate medical diagnosis and treatment. For more information on melioidosis, please visit the website of the CHP at www.chp.gov.hk/en/healthtopics/content/24/101110.html.