Residents at Laguna Verde in Hung Hom have increased pest prevention efforts after Hong Kong recorded its first human case of rat hepatitis E this year. A 42-year-old man who lived at the estate was diagnosed in early May and has since been discharged in stable condition.
Janitors carried out deep cleaning of public areas at the 25-block Laguna Verde estate and nearby waterfront park on Sunday. The patient tested positive for the virus on May 5 during a follow-up visit to a private hospital. He was later treated at Queen Mary Hospital in Pok Fu Lam and released on Friday.
Health officials said they have not ruled out transmission through food or environments contaminated by rodent excrement. The man reported no direct contact with rats at his home or workplace at One Harbourfront.
Authorities continue to investigate the source of the infection while residents at the private housing estate strengthen sanitation measures.