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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (November 4) investigating a case of Legionnaires' disease (LD) affecting a 63-year-old man.
The patient, with good past health, presented with fever and shortness of breath since October 28. He was admitted to Ruttonjee Hospital on November 1. His clinical diagnosis was pneumonia. He is currently in stable condition.
His urine sample tested positive for Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 antigen upon laboratory testing.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had travelled to the Mainland during the incubation period. His home contact has so far remained asymptomatic. Investigations are proceeding.
This is the 26th 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/Monday, November 4, 2013
Issued at HKT 16:26
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