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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 13) investigating a case of Legionnaires' disease (LD) affecting a 68-year-old man.
The patient, with underlying illness, presented with fever, cough and diarrhoea since August 20. He was admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH) on September 10. He was clinically diagnosed as having pneumonia. His current condition is stable.
His urine specimen tested positive for Legionella bacteria 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 contact has so far remained asymptomatic. Investigations are proceeding.
This is the 16th 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/Friday, September 13, 2013
Issued at HKT 17:27
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