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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (December 10) investigating a case of Legionnaires' disease (LD) affecting a woman aged 70.
The patient, with underlying illnesses, presented with fever, cough and shortness of breath on December 7. She was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) on December 8 and was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit for further management the next day. Her clinical diagnosis is pneumonia and she is now in a critical condition.
Her tracheal aspirate sample tested positive for Legionella pneumophila upon laboratory testing by TMH.
Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. Her home contact remains asymptomatic. Investigations are proceeding.
This is the 40th 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, December 10, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:10
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