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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a confirmed case of Legionnaires' Disease involving an 88-year-old woman.
The patient, with underlying illnesses, lives in a residential home for the elderly in Tuen Mun. She presented with fever and breathlessness since November 17. She was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital on November 19. She is currently in serious condition.
A urine test revealed that the patient was infected with Legionella bacteria.
She has no travel history during the incubation period. Investigation is in progress.
This is the 14th 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/Saturday, November 26, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:47
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