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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (November 28) investigating a case of Legionnaires' disease (LD) affecting a man aged 73.
The patient, with underlying illness, presented with fever, cough and shortness of breath since November 17. He was admitted to Caritas Medical Centre on November 24. He was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit for further management on the same day and returned to a general ward on November 27. His clinical diagnosis is pneumonia and he is now in stable condition.
His sputum sample tested positive for Legionella pneumophila upon laboratory testing by Princess Margaret Hospital.
Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. His home contacts remain asymptomatic. Investigations are proceeding.
This is the 39th 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, November 28, 2014
Issued at HKT 16:13
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