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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 20) investigating a case of Legionnaires' disease (LD) involving a 65-year-old man.
The patient, with underlying illnesses, has presented with chest pain and shortness of breath since August 3 as well as fever and cough since August 5. He was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on the same day (August 5) for treatment. The clinical diagnosis was pneumonia. The patient was discharged on August 15 and is currently in stable condition.
The patient's serum specimen tested positive for Legionella bacteria by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP.
Initial investigations by the CHP revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. His home contacts have remained asymptomatic. Investigations are proceeding.
This is the 12th LD case reported to the CHP this year. Twenty-eight cases were filed in 2012 and 17 in 2011.
The public may visit the CHP website (www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/24/2117.html) for further information on LD and corresponding preventive advice.
Ends/Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:21
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