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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (October 9) investigating two cases of Legionnaires' disease (LD).
The first case involves an 80-year-old man with underlying illnesses. He presented with fever, cough with sputum, and shortness of breath since October 4. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Prince of Wales Hospital on October 7 and was admitted on the same day. His clinical diagnosis was pneumonia. He is currently in critical condition.
His urine specimen tested positive for Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 antigen upon laboratory testing by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch (PHLSB) of the CHP.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had travelled to Hangzhou from September 22 to 26. His travel collateral and home contact have so far remained asymptomatic. Investigations are proceeding.
The second case involves a 63-year-old man with underlying illness. He presented with fever and cough since October 2. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital on October 7 and was admitted on the same day. His clinical diagnosis was pneumonia. He is currently in stable condition.
His urine specimen tested positive for Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 antigen upon laboratory testing by the PHLSB of the CHP.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. His home contacts have so far remained asymptomatic. Investigations are proceeding.
These are the 22nd and 23rd LD cases 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/Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:02
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