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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 79-year-old man.
The patient, with underlying illnesses, lives in a residential home for the elderly in Eastern District. He presented with fever and cough since November 2 and was admitted to Ruttonjee Hospital the next day. He is currently in stable condition.
A urine test revealed that the patient was infected with Legionella bacteria.
He has no recent travel history. Investigation is in progress.
This is the 13th 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/Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Issued at HKT 11:56
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