The Robert Dan Health Education Centre, CUHK alerts the CUHK community to the World Health Organization (WHO) announcement on 17 May, the Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda has been officially declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government announced on the same day the activation of the Alert Response Level in accordance with the Preparedness and Response Plan for Ebola Virus Disease (the Response Plan) to safeguard public health.

This outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), a strain of the Ebola virus genus. As of 16 May, at least three areas in Ituri Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo have reported eight confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths. The neighbouring country, Uganda, recorded two confirmed cases (one of them died) within less than 24 hours, both patients were from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. At least four deaths among healthcare workers who died after exhibiting symptoms of suspected viral hemorrhagic fever. WHO believes that the scale of the outbreak may be far larger than currently detected and reported, and there is a significant risk of regional spread. Currently, there is no specific treatment or vaccine available for BVD.

Ebola disease is a severe acute viral illness, primarily transmitted through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected persons, or indirect contact with environments contaminated with such fluids. The incubation period is generally 2 to 21 days. Onset is sudden, with high fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, and sore throat, followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, and internal and external bleeding. According to WHO data, case fatality rates in past outbreaks have ranged from 25% to 90%, with an average of about 50%.

To effectively prevent Ebola virus disease, all staff and students are reminded to remain vigilant and adopt active protective measures. Non-essential travel to affected areas such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda should be avoided. Observe good personal hygiene, – wash hands thoroughly with soap or alcohol-based hand rub before touching the eyes, nose or mouth, and avoid close contact with people who have fever or are unwell. Do not touch the blood or bodily fluids of patients, and avoid contact with known animal hosts such as fruit bats, chimpanzees and monkeys. All food, especially meat, must be thoroughly cooked before eating. After returning from affected areas, if you develop symptoms such as fever, extreme fatigue, muscle pain, or bleeding, seek medical attention promptly and inform your doctor of your travel details.

For the latest information and travel advice on Ebola virus disease, please visit CHP’s Ebola Disease page. Let’s work together to raise vigilance and safeguard health on the CUHK campus.

The Healing Workshop: Aromatherapy Massage Workshop was successfully held on 7 May 2026 (Thursday), and we would like to express our sincere gratitude to all university members for their enthusiastic participation.

Under the guidance of a certified aromatherapist, participants re-established a connection with themselves through the process of blending their own unique natural massage oils. By learning fundamental hand-therapy techniques to balance and condition the body, they achieved deep healing for the mind, body, and soul. Surrounded by gentle fragrances and a tranquil atmosphere, participants were able to relax their nerves and alleviate long-accumulated fatigue and tension.

UMSO Robert Dan Health Education Centre will continue to organize diverse health promotion activities, committed to foster a campus culture of physical and mental well-being. We warmly welcome everyone to join us next time.

After a busy academic year, it’s time to give your mind a well-deserved rest. Settle down with each breath, take care of yourself in this moment, and listen to your inner emotions and thoughts.

The instructor will use energy cards to guide participants in connecting with and listening to their inner voice, as well as creating their own handmade mindfulness stone paintings. Using art as a language, you will experience and explore your inner world, express authentic feelings, release thoughts, and rediscover your own sense of peace and strength.

Date: 4 June 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 2:30 – 4:00 PM
Venue: Function Room, LG/F, University Health Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Language: Cantonese
Instructor: Professional Spiritual Art Instructor
Please refer to Chinese version for more details.

The University Medical Service (UMSO) in conjunction with the University Safety Office (USO) and Hong Kong Red Cross is organizing free first-aid classes for all interested staff. For more information, please click here.

Healing Workshop organized by Robert Dan Health Education Centre, University Medical Service Office – Sand Art Candle Workshop

Sand art candles represent an innovative form of handicraft that blends the layered visual aesthetics of traditional sand art with the soothing essence of aromatherapy. During the process of layering colored wax granules, let your thoughts settle and relax. Experience the focus and the peace that creation brings, and rediscover your inner balance.

Date: 22 May 2026 (Friday)
Time:  Class A – 2:10-3:40PM   or
             Class B – 3:50-5:20PM
Venue: Function Room, LG/F, University Health Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Language: Cantonese
Target Participants: Full-time CUHK staff, and full-time students
Instructor: Wellness Art Instructor
Fee: Free of charge
Online Registration: https://webapp.itsc.cuhk.edu.hk/ras/restricted/eventlist?id=72

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Successful applicants will receive an email confirmation. For inquiries, please call 3943 6428.

The Healing Workshop – Sound bowl meditation was successfully held on 24 April 2026 (Friday). We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all university members for their enthusiastic participation.

The workshop utilized singing bowls, tuning forks, and a variety of sound frequency tools to guide participants in relaxing their bodies and soothing their nervous systems. Through hands-on singing bowl playing, meditation exercises, and a sound frequency deep rest session, participants were able to pause and unwind, allowing their body and mind to fully release and settle within the vibrations of sound.

UMSO Robert Dan Health Education Centre will continue to organize diverse health promotion activities, committed to foster a campus culture of physical and mental well-being.