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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has provided an update on its investigation into a case of Legionnaires' Disease (LD) involving a 68-year-old man.
The latest laboratory results available today (September 4) revealed that the isolate from the patient has different genetic characteristics from the isolates obtained from the water outlets of the two wards at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH). This suggests that the source of infection of the patient is not likely to be from these wards.
The patient, with an underlying medical condition, was diagnosed as having Legionnaires' Disease on August 24. Besides staying at home, the patient had also stayed a few days in two wards at PYNEH during the incubation period.
Earlier, the CHP's preliminary laboratory results on three out of eight water samples taken from water outlets in the two wards where the patient had stayed revealed the presence of Legionella species (Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1). No Legionella pneumophila was detected in the water samples at the water tank of the hospital, nor at the patient's residence.
The patient is now in a stable condition. The CHP's investigation continues.
Legionella bacteria are found in various environmental settings and grow well in warm water (25 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius). They can be found in aqueous environments such as water tanks, cooling towers, whirlpools and spas, water fountains and apparatus that support breathing. The proper design, operation and maintainance of man-made water systems can prevent LD. For more information, please visit the website of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department for the Code of Practice issued by the Prevention of LD Committee (www.emsd.gov.hk/emsd/eng/pps/oa_ld_pub_cp.shtml).
Ends/Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Issued at HKT 19:11
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