Mong Kok sauna patrons urged to get Mpox tests

The Centre for Health Protection has advised individuals who recently visited the Mong Kok sauna Hu-Tong to undergo Mpox screening following a confirmed case of the viral illness. The 39-year-old infected man reportedly engaged in high-risk sexual activities with other male patrons at the establishment. This brings the total number of Mpox cases in Hong Kong this year to 31.

Albert Au, head of the centre's communicable diseases branch, expressed belief that the latest infection may be isolated and not part of an outbreak. He explained that the patient frequented the sauna multiple times during its incubation period and engaged in risky sexual encounters there, suggesting the infection likely originated at Hu-Tong.

Due to the lack of certainty regarding the patient's initial source of infection, authorities have temporarily closed the sauna as a preventive measure. The incubation period for Mpox typically ranges from six to 13 days, but can be as brief as one day or extend up to 21 days. Initial symptoms are similar to those of other viral infections, including fever, chills, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.

However, a distinctive rash eventually develops, transforming into scabs. Au urged those who had visited the sauna on or before September 14 to contact the Mpox hotline at 2125-2373 promptly for a health assessment. The centre will provide testing for individuals displaying symptoms. Since August, 22 cases of Mpox have been confirmed in Hong Kong, with most of the patients using dating apps to seek sexual partners.

Au noted the challenge in tracing all contacts, as some infected individuals have been unable to reconnect with their sexual partners.