This 2003 electron microscope image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows mature, oval-shaped monkeypox virions, left, and spherical immature virions, right, obtained from a sample of human skin associated with the 2003 prairie dog outbreak. (CYNTHIA S GOLDSMITH, RUSSELL REGNER /CDC VIA AP)

HONG KONG - Hong Kong will list monkeypox as a statutorily notifiable infectious disease next week, the government has said, adding that it is formulating a preparedness and response plan targeting the infection.

In a statement issued on Wednesday evening, a spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection said a notice will be gazetted next week to include monkeypox as a statutorily notifiable infectious disease in the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance. 

The notice will take effect on the same day, after which doctors must report cases to the Department of Health if they have reason to suspect there is a case of the infectious disease.

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The spokesman added that the government is drawing up a plan to set out preparation and response arrangements in case of an emergence or even an outbreak of monkeypox cases in Hong Kong.

The government is drawing up a plan to set out preparation and response arrangements in case of an emergence or even an outbreak of monkeypox cases in Hong Kong

A three-tier response level of alert, serious and emergency, will be activated based on risk assessment and the disease's health impact on the community. The plan will be promulgated next week, the spokesman said.

The government and the Hospital Authority are also preparing to purchase relevant vaccines and medicines, as well as formulating recommendations on clinical treatment, according to the statement.

The World Health Organization has reminded governments around the world to be well-prepared for the disease as more than 20 countries where monkeypox is not endemic have reported outbreaks. Since May, confirmed and suspected cases of monkeypox have been reported in places such as Europe, America and Australia. There have been no deaths so far and the WHO does not recommend travel restriction measures in light of monkeypox at this stage.

The financial hub has not recorded any monkeypox cases so far. The spokesman added the government will maintain close contact with the WHO and closely monitor the monkeypox infection cases recorded overseas.

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The symptoms of monkeypox are similar to those of smallpox but in milder form. It is generally transmitted through direct or indirect contact but not through short-lived contact with respiratory droplets like COVID-19 and patients usually recover on their own, the spokesman said.

Smallpox vaccination, commonly known as "cowpox", can prevent infection of monkeypox, the spokesman added.

Members of the public who need to travel to places affected by monkeypox are reminded to avoid physical contact with sick people or animals. They should also cook animal products thoroughly cooked before eating.