Hong Kong Reports New Melioidosis Cases: Health Authorities Issue Warning to High-Risk Groups
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) has reported new cases of melioidosis in Hong Kong, underscoring the endemic nature of the disease in the region. On April 2, 2026, the CHP announced two new cases recorded between March 27 and April 1, reminding the public—particularly those with underlying health conditions—to capture necessary precautions against soil-borne bacteria.
Details of the Recent Infections
The most recent cases involve elderly men with underlying illnesses living in different districts of Hong Kong:
- Sai Kung District: A 75-year-old male presented with fever, cough, and shortness of breath on March 22. He was admitted to the Accident and Emergency Department of Tseung Kwan O Hospital, where he was diagnosed with pneumonia. Tests confirmed the presence of Burkholderia pseudomallei. Notably, this patient had previously recovered from melioidosis in September 2024, raising the possibility of a relapsed infection.
- Yuen Long District: A 71-year-old male with underlying illnesses was also recorded as a positive case during the same period.
Health officials emphasized that melioidosis carries a significant risk of recurrence. Even after a full course of antibiotics, Burkholderia pseudomallei can remain latent in the body for years, potentially reactivating when a patient’s immunity declines.
What is Melioidosis?
Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. It is endemic to Hong Kong, with cases recorded annually. The bacteria typically reside in soil and muddy water, and infection occurs when these materials enter the body through cuts in the skin or are inhaled.
While the disease can affect healthy individuals, high-risk groups include the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions. The CHP specifically advises these individuals to avoid contact with soil or muddy water, particularly following typhoons or heavy storms, to lower the risk of infection.
A Pattern of Outbreaks in Urban Environments
While often associated with rural areas, melioidosis has appeared in highly urbanized settings in Hong Kong, demonstrating the bacteria’s adaptability.
The 2024 Zoo Outbreak
In October 2024, a severe outbreak occurred at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens (HKZBG). Twelve primates across four different species died of sepsis. Postmortem examinations and phylogenetic analysis confirmed the cause as a clonal sequence type 46 strain of B. Pseudomallei, indicating a single source of infection within the city-center facility.
The 2022 SSP District Spike
The urban risk was further highlighted in 2022, when an outbreak occurred in the highly urbanized SSP district. This period saw a five-fold increase in cases compared to previous records, illustrating that urban density does not eliminate the risk of soil-borne bacterial infections.
Prevention and Safety Guidelines
To prevent infection, the Centre for Health Protection recommends the following safety measures:
- Maintain Hygiene: Practice consistent personal and environmental hygiene.
- Avoid Contaminated Water: Stay away from muddy water and soil, especially after heavy rainfall or storms.
- Protective Gear: Leverage appropriate footwear and gloves when gardening or working in soil to prevent the bacteria from entering through skin abrasions.
Key Takeaways
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Causative Agent | Burkholderia pseudomallei |
| Primary Sources | Soil and muddy water |
| High-Risk Groups | Elderly, people with underlying diseases |
| Notable Risk | Potential for latent infection and recurrence |
As melioidosis remains a persistent threat in Hong Kong, continued vigilance and adherence to hygiene protocols are essential to protect vulnerable populations from this endemic pathogen.
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