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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (April 27) investigating a case of Legionnaires' Disease involving an 80-year-old man.
The patient, who has a chronic illness, has had fever and cough since April 17. On April 26, he sought medical consultation at Queen Elizabeth Hospital after having a fall at home. He was found to have pneumonia and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit on the same day. His condition is now critical.
A urine sample test has revealed that the patient was infected with Legionella bacteria.
The patient had no recent travel history. His home contacts were asymptomatic. Investigation is in progress.
This is the fourth case of Legionnaires' Disease reported to the CHP this year. Seventeen cases were filed in 2011, 20 in 2010 and 37 in 2009.
Information on Legionnaires' Disease and advice on prevention can be found on the CHP's website, www.chp.gov.hk.
Ends/Friday, April 27, 2012
Issued at HKT 17:21
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