**********************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (January 10) investigating a case of Legionnaires' disease (LD) affecting a man aged 77.
The patient, with underlying illnesses, has presented with fever, cough, shortness of breath and malaise since January 5 and was admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital for management on January 8.
The clinical diagnosis was pneumonia and he is now in stable condition.
His urine sample tested positive for Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 antigen upon laboratory testing by CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no travel history. His home contact is asymptomatic. Investigations are proceeding.
This is the third LD case reported to the CHP this year. In 2014 and 2013, 41 and 28 cases were recorded respectively.
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/Saturday, January 10, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:00
NNNN
