With the approach of the summer holidays, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health appealed to members of the public who intend to travel to stay alert to the situation of infectious diseases in their destinations. The CHP specifically reminded members of the public to adopt necessary precautions to guard against the recently increasing group A streptococcal (GAS) infection, including streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), and mosquito-borne diseases when travelling abroad.

In Japan, an increase in STSS cases has been observed since 2023. According to information of the Japan Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, as of June 2, 977 cases have been reported in 2024, exceeding the previous record high of 941 in 2023 and the range of 622 to 894 during 2019 to 2022. Moreover, an increase in invasive group A streptococcal infections (iGAS disease) and scarlet fever has also been observed in at least five countries in Europe.

The CHP spokesman reiterated that members of the public should follow stringent anti-mosquito measures when travelling. When travelling to areas where vector-borne diseases are common, they may consider to arrange travel health consultation with doctor at least six weeks before the journey for risk assessment during which the need for any vaccinations, chemoprophylaxis and vector preventive measures will be determined. Returned travellers should consult a doctor promptly if developing symptoms such as fever, respiratory symptoms, rash or painful swelling, and inform the doctor of their travel history for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

For more information, please refer to the CHP website on GAS infection (www.chp.gov.hk/en/healthtopics/content/24/107780.html), DF (www.chp.gov.hk/en/healthtopics/content/24/19.html) and travel health service (https://www.travelhealth.gov.hk/english/index.html).