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Hong Kong Reports First Rat Hepatitis E Case of 2026
Health authorities identified a 42-year-old man with hepatitis E on May 5. Residents at the Laguna Verde estate in Hung Hom increased cleaning efforts on Sunday.
May 17, 4:13 AM·1m read1 source
South China Morning PostAudio version
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Health authorities in Hong Kong reported the city’s first human case of rat hepatitis E this year. A 42-year-old man tested positive for the virus on May 5 during a follow-up visit to a private hospital. The patient, who lived at the 25-block Laguna Verde estate in Hung Hom and worked at One Harbourfront, was discharged in stable condition on Friday after treatment at Queen Mary Hospital.
Janitors deep-cleaned public areas at the estate on Sunday. Sanitation efforts also covered the waterfront promenade park, planters, and the nearby shopping centre. Residents have increased pest prevention measures while officials investigate possible transmission routes.
Authorities have not ruled out food or environments contaminated with rodent excrement. The patient reported no direct encounters with rats at home or work.
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