**********************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a confirmed case of Legionnaires' Disease.
The case involved a 76-year-old man who lives in Sha Tin. He developed cough since March 15, followed by shortness of breath and fever on March 19 and March 22 respectively. He was admitted to the Prince of Wales Hospital on March 23. He is now in critical condition.
A urine test revealed that he had been infected with Legionella bacteria.
Investigation is ongoing.
This is the seventh 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, March 23, 2010
Issued at HKT 20:25
NNNN
