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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (December 30) investigating a case of Legionnaires' disease (LD) affecting a man aged 79.
The patient, with underlying illnesses, presented with fever and shortness of breath on December 8. He was admitted to Ruttonjee Hospital on December 13. His clinical diagnosis is pneumonia. He has been in stable condition all along and was discharged on December 14.
His serum specimen tested positive for Legionella pneumophila upon laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.
Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. His home contact remains asymptomatic. Investigations are proceeding.
This is the 41st 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, December 30, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:28
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