**************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a case of leptospirosis, a disease caused by the bacteria Leptospira, involving a 26-year-old man.
A CHP spokesman said the patient, with good past health, had presented with fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat and cough since April 30. He was admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital on May 3 and was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit the next day due to septic shock. His condition gradually improved and he was discharged on May 12.
Serology tests confirmed that he had leptospirosis.
CHP's investigation revealed that the patient had travelled to Sabah, Malaysia, from April 16 to 20 during the incubation period. His four travel companions and family contacts were asymptomatic.
Investigation is in progress.
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacteria Leptospira, which can be found in some animals including rodents, cattle, pigs, horses and dogs.
Most human infections occur through contact with urine excreted by infected mammals, primarily through skin abrasions, open wounds or mucous membranes and occasionally through ingestion or inhalation.
The disease is not normally transmissible among humans. The incubation period is usually between four and 19 days.
The spokesman said people infected with leptospirosis commonly present with a flu-like illness with high fever, headache, muscle pain, red eye, sore throat and rash. In some cases the disease can cause anaemia and affect the liver, kidneys, lungs and other internal organs. The disease can be treated effectively with antibiotics.
The risk of infection can be minimised by covering open wounds properly and avoiding contact with the urine of live mammals or objects contaminated by them, as well as polluted water, the spokesman said.
Ends/Monday, May 27, 2013
Issued at HKT 17:07
NNNN
