Hong Kong health authorities are investigating a third measles case involving an aircraft maintenance worker at the airport, saying his infection is epidemiologically linked to those of two colleagues.
The Centre for Health Protection said on Monday night that the latest patient, a 37-year-old man, likely contracted the disease at his workplace.
It said all three cases worked for the same company at the airport, adding that the latest patient was involved in aircraft maintenance and had no direct contact with travellers. Authorities did not specify which company the workers were from.
“The patient lives alone and is uncertain whether he has received a measles vaccination. The centre believes it is highly likely he was infected at his workplace and that the three cases are epidemiologically linked,” a spokesman said.
The latest patient developed fever and myalgia, or muscle pain, on Wednesday, followed by a cough and sore throat the next day, the centre said.
He sought medical attention at a private clinic in Tuen Mun on Thursday.
On Saturday evening, he developed a rash and was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital for isolation and treatment.
His clinical specimen tested positive for measles virus nucleic acid and he remains hospitalised in stable condition.
As of 5pm on Monday, a total of 99 people have been classified as close contacts, including 31 who attended the same clinic session and 68 colleagues at the same workplace. They are under medical surveillance.
The first patient developed symptoms on March 31 and had travelled to Indonesia during the incubation period.
The second patient fell ill on April 14 and worked at the same location as the first case.
A health booth set up by the centre at the airport has provided assessment and vaccination to more than 200 airport staff since Saturday and will continue to operate until Wednesday.