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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (January 5) investigating a case of Legionnaires' disease (LD) affecting a man aged 67.
The patient, with underlying illnesses, presented with fever, tiredness and shortness of breath since December 29, 2014. He was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital on January 1. He was diagnosed as having pneumonia and is now in stable condition.
His urine sample tested positive for Legionella pneumophila upon laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.
Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had travelled to Guangdong Province from December 21 to 23, 2014. His travel collateral and home contact remain asymptomatic. Investigations are proceeding.
This is the first LD case reported to the CHP this year. Forty-one cases were filed in 2014 and 28 in 2013.
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/Monday, January 5, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:15
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