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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (January 16) investigating a case of Legionnaires' disease (LD) affecting a man aged 77.
The patient, with underlying illnesses, has presented with limb swelling and shortness of breath since January 10 and was admitted to Pok Oi Hospital for management on the same day. His condition deteriorated and he was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit with intubation on January 15.
The clinical diagnosis was pneumonia and he is now in critical condition.
His 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 had no recent travel history. Investigations are proceeding.
This is the fifth 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/Friday, January 16, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:51
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