**********************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a confirmed case of Legionnaires' Disease.
The case involves a 58-year-old man living in Kowloon City. He has a history of diabetes and hypertension. He started developing malaise, runny nose, cough and muscle pain from February 15 and was admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital on February 17. He is now in stable condition.
A urine test revealed that he had been infected with Legionella bacteria.
His home contacts were asymptomatic. The CHP's investigation is on-going.
This is the fourth case of Legionnaires' Disease reported this year. Thirty-seven cases were reported in 2009, 13 in 2008 and 11 in 2007.
Information on Legionnaires' Disease and advice on prevention can be found on the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk).
Ends/Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Issued at HKT 18:00
NNNN
