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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a confirmed case of Legionnaires' Disease.
The case involved a 92-year-old man who lived in an elderly home in Western District. He developed fever, shortness of breath, dull appearance and decreased appetite on October 27 and was admitted to Queen Mary Hospital on the same day. He was transferred to TWGHs Fung Yiu King Hospital on October 31 and is now in serious condition.
His urine sample tested positive for Legionella pneumophila.
The CHP's investigation showed that the patient had no recent travel history. The residents of the elderly home are asymptomatic.
This is the 35th case of Legionnaires' Disease reported this year. Thirteen cases were reported in 2008, 11 in 2007 and 16 in 2006.
Information on Legionnaires' Disease and advice on prevention can be found on the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk).
Ends/Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Issued at HKT 17:22
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