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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 17) investigating a case of Legionnaires' Disease involving a 53-year-old man.
The patient presented with fever, headache and joint pain since July 12. He consulted a general practitioner on July 14, but his symptoms persisted. He started to cough on July 16 and was admitted to Union Hospital on the same day. He is now in stable condition.
A urine test revealed that the patient was infected with Legionella bacteria.
The patient worked in Shenzhen from Monday to Friday. His home contacts were asymptomatic. Investigation is in progress.
This is the 15th 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/Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Issued at HKT 15:38
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