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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (February 21) investigating a case of Legionnaires' disease (LD) affecting a man aged 51.
The patient, with good past health, presented with fever, cough and hoarseness of voice since February 14. He was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) on February 18. His clinical diagnosis was pneumonia. He recovered and was discharged on February 20.
His sputum sample tested positive for Legionella pneumophila upon laboratory testing by TMH.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had travelled to the Mainland during the incubation period. His son who had upper respiratory tract infection symptoms has already recovered. Investigations are proceeding.
This is the third LD case reported to the CHP this year. In 2013 and 2012, 28 cases were filed in each year.
The public may visit the CHP's LD page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/24/2117.html) for further information and corresponding preventive advice.
Ends/Friday, February 21, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:16
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