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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 3) investigating a case of Legionnaires' disease (LD) affecting a man aged 55.
The patient, with underlying illness, has presented with cough, blood-stained sputum, fever and myalgia since August 23 and consulted two private doctors on August 25 and 27. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Ruttonjee Hospital yesterday (September 2) and was admitted on the same day. He was then transferred to the Intensive Care Unit for further management. His clinical diagnosis was pneumonia. He is now in stable condition.
His urine sample tested positive for Legionella pneumophilia serogroup 1 antigen upon laboratory testing by Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had travelled to Hubei from August 15 to 17 while his travel collateral had remained asymptomatic so far. Investigations are proceeding.
This is the 29th 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/Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Issued at HKT 12:37
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