Hong Kong residents planning international travel are being advised to take precautions against Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne illness experiencing a global surge. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, through its Travel Health Service under the Centre for Health Protection (CHP), issued the warning as cases continue to rise in popular travel destinations.
Dengue Fever: A Growing Global Concern
Dengue fever is endemic in over 100 countries across Africa, the Americas, the Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and the Western Pacific. The CHP advisory highlights the particular risk for Hong Kong travelers visiting these regions. As of , six imported cases of Dengue fever have been recorded in Hong Kong this year. In 2025, a total of 59 imported cases were reported, with no local transmissions occurring.
The global incidence of Dengue has increased markedly over the past two decades, posing a substantial public health challenge. The World Health Organization (WHO) recorded over 14 million cases in 2024 – a record number. From January to July 2025, over 4 million cases and more than 3,000 Dengue-related deaths were reported across 97 countries, and territories.
Regional Hotspots for Dengue Transmission
Several countries popular with Hong Kong travelers are currently experiencing significant Dengue activity. In 2025, Indonesia reported 148,922 cases, with an additional 403 cases recorded in early . Vietnam saw 184,903 cases in 2025, while India reported 120,729 cases during the same period. Thailand and Malaysia each recorded over 50,000 cases, and Singapore reported over 4,000 cases.
Specifically, the CHP noted that in 2025, the Philippines contributed 12 imported cases to Hong Kong, followed by Indonesia with 11, India with 9, and Thailand also with 9.
Symptoms and Prevention
Dengue fever is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Travelers planning trips to affected areas are urged to take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites. These include wearing loose-fitting, light-colored, long-sleeved clothing and trousers, and applying insect repellent containing DEET to exposed skin and clothing.
Travelers returning from areas where Dengue fever is prevalent should be vigilant for symptoms and seek medical attention promptly if they feel unwell. It is crucial to inform their doctors about their recent travel history.
Vaccination and Treatment Options
Currently, there is no locally registered Dengue vaccine available for general use in Hong Kong. However, the second-generation vaccine, Qdenga, is available in various settings – including private clinics, national programs, and public health initiatives – in several Dengue-endemic countries frequently visited by Hong Kong residents.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also recently noted a higher-than-expected number of Dengue cases among returning U.S. Travelers from certain countries, underscoring the widespread increase in risk.
Staying Informed
The CHP emphasizes the importance of staying informed about the latest Dengue fever situation in Hong Kong and abroad. Detailed information, including updates on imported cases and overseas figures, is available on the Centre for Health Protection’s website: https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/df_imported_cases_and_overseas_figures_eng.pdf. Further information on Dengue fever can be found on the CHP’s thematic webpage: https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/38847.html.
While the risk of Dengue fever remains a concern for travelers, awareness and preventative measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of infection. Prompt medical attention upon return from affected areas is also crucial for early diagnosis and management of the disease.
