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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a confirmed case of Legionnaires' Disease involving a 63-year-old man living in Shatin.
The patient, who had underlying medical illness, presented with fever, cough and shortness of breath since May 10. He was admitted to Union Hospital on May 11 and was transferred to Queen Elizabeth Hospital today (May 12). The patient is now in critical condition.
Urine tests revealed that the patient was infected with Legionella bacteria.
Investigation revealed that the patient had travelled to Bangkok, Cambodia and Dongguan during the incubation period. Investigation is ongoing.
This is the fifth case of Legionnaires' Disease reported to the CHP this year. Twenty cases were filed in 2010, 37 in 2009, 13 in 2008 and 11 in 2007.
Information on Legionnaires' Disease and advice on prevention can be found at the CHP's website, www.chp.gov.hk.
Ends/Thursday, May 12, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:45
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