*****************************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (March 14) investigating a case of Legionnaires' disease (LD) affecting a man aged 64.
The patient, with underlying illnesses, presented with fever, chills, cough, blood-stained sputum and shortness of breath since February 13. He was admitted to a private hospital on February 20 and was transferred to Queen Mary Hospital on February 24. He was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit for further management on February 25 and was discharged on March 2. His clinical diagnosis was pneumonia.
His serum sample tested positive for Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 antibody upon laboratory testing by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had travelled to Zhongshan and Shunde on February 9 to 11. The travel collaterals and his home contacts have been asymptomatic. Investigations are proceeding.
This is the fifth 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, March 14, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:46
NNNN
