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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (October 10) investigating a case of Legionnaires' disease (LD) affecting a 74-year-old man.
The patient, with underlying illnesses, presented with malaise and decreased appetite since September 13. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of United Christian Hospital on September 17 and was admitted on the same day. His clinical diagnosis was pneumonia. He was transferred to Haven of Hope Hospital on September 24 and is currently in stable condition.
His urine sample tested positive for Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 antigen upon laboratory testing by Tseung Kwan O Hospital.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had travelled to Shenzhen during the incubation period. The patient lived alone and had no other home contacts. Investigations are proceeding.
This is the 24th 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, October 10, 2013
Issued at HKT 16:13
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