Tag Archives: China

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said today (January 21) that another case of severe paediatric influenza A infection in a child who has not yet received the seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) has been reported. This is the second reported case in children in two consecutive days. The CHP strongly urged members of the public who have not yet received the SIV to act immediately to minimise the risk of serious complications and death after infection.
      
     “A five-year-old boy with a history of good health developed high fever and a sore throat on January 19. He went to the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital on the following day and was admitted to the hospital on the same day for treatment. His nasopharyngeal swab specimen tested positive for influenza A (H1) virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with sepsis and encephalopathy. He remains hospitalised in severe condition. In the first three days this week, the CHP has received two severe cases of influenza A infection in unvaccinated children, including the one announced yesterday (January 20) which involved a 14-year-old girl,” a spokesman for the CHP said.
      
     The boy had no travel history during the incubation period. So far, his household contacts are asymptomatic and there has been no recent influenza outbreak at his school. An initial investigation revealed that he did not receive 2024/2025 seasonal influenza vaccination. The CHP reiterated its call to the parents to bring their children to receive the SIV as soon as possible.
           
     “Influenza vaccination has been scientifically proven to be one of the most effective ways to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications, while significantly reducing the risk of hospitalisation and death from seasonal influenza. All persons aged 6 months and above (except those with known contraindications) who have not yet received the SIV should act immediately, particularly the elderly and children who have a higher risk of becoming infected with influenza and other complications,” the spokesman said.
           
     The spokesman reminded the public that Hong Kong has entered the influenza season. The seasonal influenza activity is expected to increase further while the activity of other respiratory infectious diseases may also increase. To protect their health and that of their family members, the public should not only receive the SIV, but also maintain good personal and environmental hygiene, and take the following measures to prevent contacting influenza and other respiratory illnesses:
 

• Wear surgical masks to prevent transmission of respiratory viruses from ill persons. It is essential for persons who are symptomatic (even if having mild symptoms) to wear a surgical mask;
• High-risk persons (e.g. persons with underlying medical conditions or persons who are immunocompromised) should wear surgical masks when visiting public places. The general public should also wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
• Avoid touching one’s eyes, mouth and nose;
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
• When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
• Cover the mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly into a lidded rubbish bin, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
• Maintain good indoor ventilation;
• When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, consider whether to go to work or school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly; and
• Maintain a balanced diet, perform physical activity regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.

     
     â€‹For the latest information, members of the public can visit the CHP’s seasonal influenza and COVID-19 & Flu Express webpages.  read more

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (January 21) is investigating a probable case of botulism involving a patient who received injections of botulinum toxin on the Mainland. The CHP reminded the public that botulinum toxin injections should only be prescribed and performed by registered doctors.
 
     “The case involves a female patient aged 31 with a history of good health. According to the patient, she received injections purporting to be botulinum toxin on the Mainland on January 13. However, the patient was unable to confirm the professional qualifications of the person who performed the injections. A few days after the injection, she presented with symptoms including limbs weakness, swallowing difficulty and shortness of breath. She attended Tseung Kwan O Hospital and was admitted on January 20. She is in stable condition and was clinically suspected to have botulism caused by botulinum toxin injection,” a spokesman for the CHP said.
 
     The CHP has reported the case to the relevant authority on the Mainland. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing.
 
     “In Hong Kong, botulinum toxin injections should only be performed by a locally registered doctor. Customers should verify the doctor’s full name against the list of registered doctors of the Medical Council of Hong Kong as well as their professional qualifications and relevant experience. When receiving injections outside Hong Kong, pay special attention to ensure the provider is qualified or registered with relevant jurisdictions for practice. In case of injections offered from suspicious sources, refrain from receiving them. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice from eligible medical professionals as soon as possible,” the spokesman said.
 
     Due to the weakening of the associated muscles and the fact that botulinum toxin may spread and affect other areas beyond the injection site, affected patients may have drooping eyelids, double or blurred vision, problems with chewing, hoarseness, or even difficulties in swallowing, speaking or breathing, which may happen hours, days or weeks after the injection.
 
     The CHP urged the public to observe the following health advice before receiving botulinum toxin injections:
 

• Injections in Hong Kong should only be performed by locally registered doctors;
• Understand the procedure, potential risks and possible complications before receiving injections. Consult a doctor for an informed decision;
• Do not receive injections from suspicious sources;
• Do not receive an injection in the case of a history of allergy to botulinum toxin, or if there is an infection or inflammation on the injection site;
• Request the full name of the doctor in writing if referred by a beauty service provider for the procedure, as well as the professional qualifications and relevant experience; and
• If symptoms develop after injections, such as a fever or feeling unwell, seek medical attention immediately.

 
     The public may visit the DH’s webpage on the differentiation between medical procedures and beauty services, the Drug Database of the Drug Office and the CHP’s botulism page for more information.​ read more

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

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Chiyu Banking Corporation Limited relating to fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens, which have been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.
      
     The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
      
     Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the websites or login screens concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012. read more

     The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (January 21) the Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures for December 2024. According to the Composite CPI, overall consumer prices rose by 1.4% in December 2024 over the same month a year earlier, the same as that in November 2024. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the year-on-year rate of increase in the Composite CPI (i.e. the underlying inflation rate) in December 2024 was 1.3%, slightly larger than that in November 2024 (1.2%). 

     On a seasonally adjusted basis, the average monthly rate of increase in the Composite CPI for the 3-month period ending December 2024 was 0.1%, the same as that for the 3-month period ending November 2024. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the corresponding rates of increase were 0.2% and 0.1%.   

     Analysed by sub-index, the year-on-year rates of increase in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 1.7%, 1.4% and 1.2% respectively in December 2024, as compared to 1.7%, 1.3% and 1.1% respectively in November 2024. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the year-on-year rates of increase in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 1.6%, 1.2% and 1.1% respectively in December 2024, as compared to 1.6%, 1.1% and 1.0% respectively in November 2024.   

     On a seasonally adjusted basis, for the 3-month period ending December 2024, the average monthly rates of increase in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were all 0.1%, the same as those for the 3-month period ending November 2024. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the average monthly rates of increase in the seasonally adjusted CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) for the 3-month period ending December 2024 were 0.3%, 0.1% and 0.1% respectively, and the corresponding rates of increase for the 3-month period ending November 2024 were 0.2%, 0.1% and 0.1% respectively.   

     Amongst the various components of the Composite CPI, year-on-year increases in prices were recorded in December 2024 for alcoholic drinks and tobacco (21.2%), electricity, gas and water (11.4%), miscellaneous services (2.1%), transport (2.1%), meals out and takeaway food (1.8%), miscellaneous goods (1.4%), and housing (1.0%).   

     On the other hand, year-on-year decreases in the components of the Composite CPI were recorded in December 2024 for clothing and footwear (-3.2%), durable goods (-1.6%), and basic food (-0.6%).   

     In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Composite CPI rose by 1.4% over a year earlier, while the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) rose by 1.7%, 1.3% and 1.2% respectively. The corresponding increases after netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures were 1.2%, 1.5%, 1.1% and 1.0% respectively.   

     For 2024 as a whole, the Composite CPI was 1.7% higher than that in the preceding year.  The respective increases in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 2.1%, 1.6% and 1.5% respectively. The corresponding increases after netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures were 1.1%, 1.0%, 1.1% and 1.2% respectively.   

Commentary

     A Government spokesman said that underlying consumer price inflation remained modest in December 2024. Food prices as a whole continued to show a mild year-on-year increase. Meanwhile, prices of energy-related items turned to slight increases, partly due to a low base of comparison. Price pressures on other major components remained broadly in check. For 2024 as a whole, the underlying consumer price inflation rate averaged 1.1%.

     Looking ahead, overall inflation should remain moderate in the near term. As the Hong Kong economy continues to grow, domestic cost may see some upward pressures. External price pressures should remain contained, though uncertainties from the external environment warrant attention. The Government will continue to monitor the situation.

Further information

     The CPIs and year-on-year rates of change at section level for December 2024 are shown in Table 1. The time series on the year-on-year rates of change in the CPIs before and after netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures are shown in Table 2. For discerning the latest trend in consumer prices, it is also useful to look at the changes in the seasonally adjusted CPIs. The time series on the average monthly rates of change during the latest 3 months for the seasonally adjusted CPIs are shown in Table 3. The rates of change in the original and the seasonally adjusted Composite CPI and the underlying inflation rate are presented graphically in Chart 1.

     More detailed statistics are given in the “Monthly Report on the Consumer Price Index”. Users can browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1060001&scode=270).

     For enquiries about the CPIs, please contact the Consumer Price Index Section of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 7374 or email: cpi@censtatd.gov.hk).
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     The Government announced today (January 21) the appointment of two members to the Programme and Development Committee (PDC) through the Member Self-recommendation Scheme for Youth (MSSY) from January 22, 2025, to October 31, 2026.

     The two newly appointed members are Dr Kelvin Chiu Hei-yeung and Ms Lora Chow Hiu-ching. Dr Chiu is currently working as a doctor in the Hospital Authority, and he is also an Honorary Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Hong Kong. Ms Chow is the Co-founder of the Yale Alumni Chamber Music Society of Hong Kong and the Virtuoso Fiesta. She is also a composer and soprano.

     Established in 2006, the PDC comprises members of different backgrounds with a great wealth of professional expertise and experience in various aspects. It advises the Leisure and Cultural Services Department on programme strategies (including local, Mainland and overseas), plans, resource allocations and support for budding and small-scale performing arts groups.  
      
     The Government regularly recruits young persons aged between 18 and 35 who are eager to serve the community to join the Government’s advisory committees through the MSSY with a view to providing more opportunities for young people to participate in policy discussions.  read more