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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 14) investigating a case of Legionnaires' Disease involving a 57-year-old man.
The patient, with chronic illness, presented with fever and shortness of breath on September 11. He was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital on the same day. His condition deteriorated and he was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit today. He is now in a critical condition.
His urine sample tested positive for serogroup 1 Legionella pneumophilia antigen.
The patient has no recent travel history. His home contacts were asymptomatic. Investigation is in progress.
This is the 23rd 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, September 14, 2012
Issued at HKT 20:31
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