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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 5) investigating a case of Legionnaires' disease (LD) affecting a 62-year-old man.
The patient, with underlying illnesses, presented with fever, chills, rigors, malaise and cough with sputum since August 28. He sought medical attention at a public clinic in Kwai Chung on September 3 and was referred to Queen Mary Hospital on the same day, where he is currently admitted for management in stable condition.
He was clinically diagnosed as having pneumonia.
His urine sample tested positive for Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 antigen upon laboratory testing by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. His home contacts have so far remained asymptomatic. Investigations are proceeding.
This is the 14th 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's website (www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/24/2117.html) for further information on LD and corresponding preventive advice.
Ends/Thursday, September 5, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:13
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