The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 16) announced that one new melioidosis case was recorded in the past week (October 9 to 15). The CHP appealed to members of the public to maintain personal and environmental hygiene to prevent melioidosis. The CHP also specifically reminded high-risk groups, including the elderly and people with underlying diseases, to avoid contact with soil or muddy water after typhoons or storms with a view to lowering infection risk.
     
     The case involves a 74-year-old female with underlying illnesses who lived in Sham Shui Po District. On October 4, she presented with a fever and cough with sputum. On October 7, she attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Caritas Medical Centre due to shortness of breath and was admitted for treatment on the same day. Her clinical diagnosis was pneumonia. Her clinical sample tested positive for Burkholderia pseudomallei. The patient passed away on October 8 and the cause of death is under investigation.

     The CHP is investigating the infection source of the case. An initial epidemiological investigation revealed that the case is sporadic. No epidemiological linkages have been established between this case and other confirmed cases previously recorded in Hong Kong.

     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. As of yesterday (October 15), nine melioidosis cases have been recorded in Hong Kong this year. Last year, 21 melioidosis cases were recorded.

     According to literature, melioidosis cases are more common after typhoons or rainstorms. The bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei in soil and muddy water may become exposed on 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. Where practicable, members of the public should stay indoors during typhoons and rainstorms, avoid travelling to areas with potential flooding, and 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.

     
     ​​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.

     ​The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) and the Youth Development Commission (YDC) launched the 2027-28 HYAB Funding Scheme for Youth Internship in the Mainland today (October 16). Eligible non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are invited to submit applications.
      
     The Government attaches great importance to youth development. The First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) emphasises enhancing youth development opportunities and supporting young people in pursuing their dreams. The Government will step up its focus on young people's education, employment, entrepreneurship and home ownership. It will nurture talent who can serve the needs of the country and leverage the strengths of Hong Kong. Through the HYAB Funding Scheme for Youth Internship in the Mainland, the HYAB and the YDC provide funding for NGOs to organise youth internship projects on the Mainland for young people to experience the actual workplace environment there first-hand and deepen their understanding of the Mainland's employment market, workplace culture and development opportunities. It will help young people set their future career goals, accumulate work experience, build interpersonal networks and boost their employment prospects.
      
     Details of the new round of the funding scheme are available on the YDC website (www.ydc.gov.hk/en/programmes/ip/ip_fundingscheme.html). Interested NGOs should submit their applications via the e-application system on or before November 9.

     Following is the speech by the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, at the graduation ceremony of the Legal Practical Training Course for Chinese Enterprises Going Overseas today (October 16):
 
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
         
     Good afternoon. I am delighted to address you all today as we mark the successful conclusion of the Legal Practical Training Course for Chinese Enterprises Going Overseas. On behalf of the Academy (Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy), I extend my heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to all of you who have contributed to the success of this course.
 
     I would like to express our most sincere gratitude to 國資委 (State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council) for their unwavering support throughout the course. Our thanks also extend to our institutional partners and esteemed moderators and speakers who have played a pivotal role in enriching every aspect of this course. Since its launch in November 2024, the Academy has already partnered with around 30 international organisations and professional bodies to deliver capacity-building programmes for over 5 000 participants worldwide, covering topics including international law, Hong Kong common law, international arbitration and Chinese Mainland law, contributing to the cultivation of foreign-related legal talent.
 
     Over the last week of insightful lectures and lively exchange sessions covering common law, export control and sanctions, and international commercial and investment arbitration, I hope you have not only gained fresh perspectives that will advance your professional careers, but also acquired a deeper and first-hand understanding of Hong Kong's robust legal system and vibrant legal sector, and enjoyed a rewarding and fulfilling stay.
 
     Hong Kong's legal and professional services stand ready to support Chinese Mainland enterprises in their global expansion. In last year's edition of the course, we explored the opportunities in the markets of Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa. This year, we have turned our attention to the dynamic developments in Central Asia and Latin America. Together, we now have a more complete picture of the challenges faced by Chinese Mainland enterprises going global.
 
     In June this year, I had the privilege of joining a highly fruitful delegation led by the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The visit demonstrated that Hong Kong is a trusted partner not only to these emerging markets, but also to Chinese Mainland enterprises seeking to expand into these markets and beyond.
 
     Hong Kong is an international financial centre and international trade centre connecting global capital to the Chinese Mainland. As an international legal hub, Hong Kong can bring you a robust common law system, a deep pool of seasoned professionals with extensive international networks, and a transparent and sound regulatory framework.  We offer certainty, predictability and effectiveness essential to cross-border dispute resolution.
 
     On a related note, I am pleased to highlight several key initiatives launched by our Department (Department of Justice), this year, some of which may already have been discussed during the final panel discussion of the course just now. These include the publication of the Panel List of Hong Kong Legal Service Providers Supporting "Go Global", comprising over 70 legal services providers in Hong Kong to facilitate precise connections of Chinese Mainland enterprises with Hong Kong's legal professional services based on their specific needs for expanding overseas. Moreover, our Department has published two collections of success stories ("Collection of Success Stories: Hong Kong's Professional Services Supporting Chinese Mainland Enterprises Going Global"), featuring over 200 success stories. Covering various professional fields, including legal, financial, accounting and business consultancy services, as well as different industries and investment destinations, the case studies use real-life examples to demonstrate the value contributed by Hong Kong's professional services throughout the entire business cycle of internationalisation. Our professional services can offer comprehensive support, safeguard corporate interests and mitigate operational risks. I encourage you to bring in Hong Kong professional services early in the planning stage of your company's overseas expansion to minimise risks.
 
     As we wrap up this course, I invite each of you to take a few minutes to complete the feedback form and tell us how we can improve our training courses in future.
 
     Last but not least, I warmly invite you to join our Hong Kong Legal Week 2026, which will be held in Hong Kong from November 2 to 6 this year. As our annual flagship event, Hong Kong Legal Week brings together legal professionals, business leaders, policymakers, academics and representatives from leading international organisations from Hong Kong and around the world. This year's theme, "Collaboration & Innovation: Legal Synergy for a Shared Future", will feature practical exchanges and forward-looking discussions on cross-border trade, international legal co-operation, lawtech, and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and beyond. Please feel free to register in person or online at our website.
 
     Ladies and gentlemen, congratulations once again. I wish you every success in your future endeavours, and a safe and pleasant journey home. Thank you very much.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 16) announced the latest situation regarding dengue fever (DF) and chikungunya fever (CF). Although Hong Kong has entered autumn, the weather has yet to cool down and there are occasional showers, which is favourable for mosquito breeding. Members of the public are reminded to take appropriate measures to prevent mosquito bites and mosquito breeding, both in Hong Kong and when travelling to areas affected by mosquito-borne diseases, in order to prevent mosquito-borne diseases.
     
Dengue fever
—————-

     From October 9 to yesterday (October 15), the CHP recorded one imported DF case. The patient had visited Cambodia during the incubation period.      
 
     Hong Kong has recorded 34 DF cases so far this year, comprising 32 imported cases and two local cases. A total of 59 DF cases were recorded last year (2025), all of which were imported cases. In 2024, 161 DF cases were recorded, comprising 156 imported cases and five local cases.
          
     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 2024, the WHO recorded over 14 million DF cases, which was a record number. In 2025, over five million cases and over 4 000 DF-related deaths were reported in over 90 countries/territories. From January to August 2026, around 2.2 million cases and over 1 100 DF-related deaths have been recorded globally.

      DF has long been prevalent in many neighbouring tourist destinations. So far this year, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam each recorded over 100 000 cases; Indonesia recorded over 80 000 cases; Malaysia recorded over 70 000 cases; and Singapore recorded over 2 600 cases. Meanwhile, according to the Guangdong Provincial Disease Control and Prevention Administration, as of September, Guangdong Province has recorded 586 cases this year, of which 155 were recorded in September alone.

     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's website.
 
Chikungunya fever
———————–

     From October 9 to yesterday, the CHP recorded two imported CF cases, involving two males, aged 17 and 64 respectively. Both patients had visited the Chinese Mainland during the incubation period. The CHP considers that both patients were infected during travel. Both cases were classified as imported. They were admitted to hospital for treatment in a mosquito-free environment. The 17-year-old patient has recovered and been discharged, while the 64-year-old patient is currently in stable condition. The CHP's epidemiological investigation is ongoing. Both cases have been reported to the Chinese Mainland health authority.
 
     Hong Kong has recorded seven confirmed CF cases so far this year, including six imported cases and one local case. Hong Kong recorded a total of 82 confirmed CF cases last year. Among them, 11 were local cases and the rest were imported cases.

     According to the WHO, a total of 502 264 CF cases and 186 CF-related deaths were reported in 41 countries/territories last year. Cases were reported in the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe. According to the Guangdong Provincial Disease Control and Prevention Administration, Guangdong Province has recorded 1 753 cases this year (as of September). Among them, 1 014 were recorded in September, a sharp increase compared to the number of cases recorded from June to August (36 to 496 cases).

Preventive measures to be taken by the public
—————————————————-
 
     The CHP reminds members of the public to maintain good environmental hygiene, and to take appropriate measures to prevent mosquito bites and mosquito breeding, both in Hong Kong and when travelling to areas affected by mosquito-borne diseases, in order to prevent mosquito-borne diseases. Mosquito-borne diseases such as DF and CF are endemic in various countries worldwide. The risk of importation persists. Members of the public should check the situation at their destinations before travelling abroad, especially when travelling to Southeast Asian countries. Additionally, whether travelling or not, members of the public should use DEET-containing insect repellents or other effective active ingredients properly to prevent mosquito bites, but the following precautions should be taken when using them:
 

• read the label instructions carefully first;
• apply right before entering an area with a 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 (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);
• apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent;
• reapply only when needed and follow the instructions; and
• in addition to DEET, there are other insect repellents available on the market containing different active ingredients, such as IR3535 and picaridin. When using any insect repellent, the public should follow the usage instructions and precautions on the product label.

     
     ​The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) appeals to members of the public to continue to stay alert and work together to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures early, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing water in vases and scrubbing their inner surfaces, removing water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week, and properly disposing of containers such as empty cans and lunch boxes. The FEHD also advises members of the public and property management agencies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.
     
     ​The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems, and may visit the following pages for more information: the CF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page, Instagram Account and YouTube Channel, and also the Mosquito Prevention and Control dedicated page of the FEHD.

     A 29-year-old Chinese woman, who smuggled dried shark fins into Hong Kong, was convicted at the District Court today (October 16) for violating the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) (the Ordinance) and sentenced to 10 months' imprisonment.

     A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said that the passenger arrived at Hong Kong International Airport from Brazil via Ethiopia on March 22 this year. Upon inspection of her luggage by Customs officers, a batch of suspected scheduled dried shark fins was found inside the luggage. AFCD officers subsequently attended the scene, examined the specimens and confirmed that they were scheduled dried shark fins, weighing a total of about 52 kilograms, with an estimated market value of about $200,000. The woman was prosecuted by the AFCD for illegal import of specimens of endangered species. She was convicted at the District Court today, and the court adopted a starting point of 15 months' imprisonment for sentencing. With a one-third reduction given for her guilty plea, the defendant was sentenced to 10 months' imprisonment.

     Some shark and ray species are listed in the Appendices to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and are regulated under the Ordinance in Hong Kong. Any person who imports, exports or possesses specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years with the specimens forfeited.

     The spokesman said, "The Government is committed to protecting endangered species. The AFCD and Hong Kong Customs will remain vigilant and continue to monitor and combat illegal activities involving endangered species."

     Members of the public may call 1823 to report any suspected irregularities to the AFCD and visit the AFCD website at www.cites.hk for information on the control of endangered species in Hong Kong.