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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (January 14) investigating a case of Legionnaires' disease (LD) affecting a woman aged 68.
The patient, with underlying illnesses, has presented with shortness of breath and myalgia since January 11 and was admitted to Queen Mary Hospital for management on the same day.
The clinical diagnosis was pneumonia and she is now in serious condition.
Her urine sample tested positive for Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 antigen upon laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient lived alone with no recent travel history. Investigations are proceeding.
This is the fourth 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/Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:34
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