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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has provided an update on its investigation into an earlier confirmed case of Legionnaires' Disease (LD) involving an 81-year-old woman admitted to Queen Mary Hospital (QMH).
A spokesman of the CHP said that the Centre has enhanced medical surveillance in wards where the patient stayed, including laboratory testing for symptomatic cases. So far, no additional cases were identified.
Preliminary laboratory results on the water samples taken from two wards of QMH where the patient had stayed revealed the presence of Legionella species (non-Group One Legionella pneumophila).
"Up until now, no Legionella pneumophila (Group One) was found in the collected environmental samples. LD is usually caused by Legionella pneumophila (Group One). "
"The source of infection is being investigated and further laboratory test is going on.
"CHP has advised QMH on appropriate follow up measures including the suspension of related water supply facilities for disinfection. QMH has also stepped up relevant infection control measures," he said.
The patient, who had been admitted to QMH on March 3, was discharged on April 5 in stable condition. Investigation continues.
Legionella bacteria are found in various environmental settings and grow well in warm water (25 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius). They can be found in aqueous environment such as water tanks, cooling towers, whirlpool and spas, water fountains and apparatus that support breathing. Design, operate and maintain man-made water systems properly could prevent LD. For more information about the good practices in handling man-made water systems, please visit the website of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department for the Code of Practice issued by the Prevention of LD Committee (www.emsd.gov.hk/emsd/eng/pps/oa_ld_pub_cp.shtml ).
Ends/Monday, April 11, 2011
Issued at HKT 21:05
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