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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 16) investigating a case of Legionnaires' disease (LD) affecting a man aged 57.
The patient, with underlying illnesses, has presented with fever and cough since September 5. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) on September 6 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 a critical condition.
His tracheal aspirate tested positive for Legionella pneumophila upon laboratory testing by TMH.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. His home contact remains asymptomatic. Investigations are proceeding.
This is the 30th 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/Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:04
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