Two young men infected with mpox both visited 'Hutong,' a gay sauna on Shanghai Street in Mong Kok, on May 3. The Center believes they may have been infected through high-risk contact with an mpox-infected individual at the venue. In late April 2023, a customer at the same establishment contracted mpox after 'high-risk contact,' and the venue subsequently posted a notice on May 11 stating it was 'closed for one day due to a power outage.
【Asia · Hong Kong】The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) has confirmed a new case of mpox involving a 44-year-old resident. Following links between previous cases and a social venue catering to specific communities in Mong Kok, health officials have ordered the establishment to suspend operations for 21 days to curb potential community transmission.
Case Detection and Clinical Management
According to epidemiological reports, the 44-year-old patient, who had no history of vaccination for the virus, sought treatment at a social hygiene clinic after developing itching and a skin rash. He was subsequently admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital for isolation and remains in stable condition. Investigations revealed that the individual engaged in high-risk intimate contact at a local hotel during the incubation period. Authorities have found no epidemiological links to prior domestic clusters and have notified the World Health Organization.
Venue Contact Tracing and Surveillance
In parallel, public health tracing linked two external cases to a specific venue named "Hutong" on Shanghai Street, Mong Kok, where high-risk exposure occurred. As of Friday evening, the CHP successfully reached 140 individuals who had visited the establishment since May 1. None of these contacts have exhibited symptoms, and they are currently undergoing continued medical surveillance along with receiving health education. Authorities urge any patrons who engaged in high-risk contact at the venue to immediately contact the designated health hotline.
Asian Editorial Department: Lu Junxiu