A sharp increase in cases of smallpox has been recorded in Hong Kong.

In Hong Kong, a marked increase in the incidence of monkeypox has been recorded: since August, 21 new cases have been identified, accounting for 70% of all cases reported in the city for the year. This was announced on October 10 at the Hong Kong Health Protection Center.

According to the material, 30 cases of the disease have been identified since the beginning of 2026, of which 23 are local and seven are imported. Since 2022, 114 cases have been registered in Hong Kong, all of whom are men. Most of the patients were also not vaccinated against monkeypox.

The Center for Health Protection attributes the spread of infection in recent months to "high-risk sexual encounters." The Agency has strengthened epidemiological control and expanded the vaccination program.

"Thanks to the work of both new and existing vaccination points, over the past two weeks <...> about 360 people from high—risk groups have been successfully vaccinated against smallpox in monkeys," the publication on the website says.

As specified, the latest identified case concerns a 29-year-old man who developed skin rashes, fever and enlarged lymph nodes. After examination, the infection was confirmed in the laboratory, and the patient's condition is assessed as stable. They intend to inform the World Health Organization about the investigation of the case.

Primate environment: Monkey pox virus mutates and may become more contagious

How will changes in the genome affect the spread of infection

The New York Post reported on October 8 that the incidence of shigellosis, a sexually transmitted diarrhea, is increasing in the United States. The pathogen turns into an antibiotic-resistant "superbug". It is noted that the infection is especially often detected in adult men. According to the newspaper, the proportion of strains resistant to five common antibiotics in the United States has increased from 0% in 2011 to 8.5% in 2023.