Hong Kong’s health authorities have launched contact tracing for visitors to a premises called "Hutong" on Shanghai Street in Mong Kok after two confirmed Mpox cases were learnt to have likely been infected through high-risk contact with an Mpox-infected person there.

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health launched an investigation after the Chinese mainland health authorities notified it – under the joint prevention and control mechanism – of the two cases.

Mainland investigation results show that the first case involved a 28-year-old male who developed a fever and painful swelling in the groin area on May 8. During his incubation period, he visited a premises called "Hutong" on May 3, and had high-risk contacts there.

Another man, aged 30, developed a rash over his bilateral lower limbs on May 15. During his incubation period, he visited the same premises twice – on May 1 and May 3 – and had high-risk contacts there, according to the mainland investigation.

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“Although the two patients did not know each other, they both stayed for several hours at this premises during the same period on May 3. Their samples collected after the onset of symptoms tested positive for Mpox,” reads a government statement issued on Monday evening.

Both patients are now receiving medical treatment in stable condition on the mainland, the government added.

During on-site visit, the CHP attempted to obtain a list of customers who had visited the premises that day, but the person-in-charge of the premises was unable to provide relevant customer information.

All staff members at the premises remain asymptomatic to date.

The CHP has appealed to the people who have visited the premises since May 1, especially those who have had sexual contact with strangers there, to call the Mpox telephone hotline (2125 2373) as soon as possible, to facilitate proper health assessments and advice.

The CHP will arrange testing for persons with relevant symptoms.

Mpox, also known as Monkeypox, is not transmitted through respiratory droplets or aerosols in general, and transmission would not occur through social contact.

The city’s health authorities have urged the public to be vigilant and avoid close physical contact with persons suspected of contracting Mpox and advised high-risk target groups to receive Mpox vaccination.

Those at higher risks of exposure have been advised to take precautions and avoid close physical contact with persons or animals suspected of infection. They should seek medical attention as soon as possible if they experience relevant symptoms, including rash, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle pain, and severe headaches. They should not engage in activities with others that may involve contact with skin rash or body fluids.

Since 2022, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 86 Mpox cases (69 local cases and 17 imported cases), including the two above-mentioned cases. All patients were males. Epidemiological investigations revealed that most cases had a history of high-risk sexual behavior, including having sex with strangers or having sex without wearing condoms.