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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 3) investigating a fatal case of Legionnaires' disease (LD) involving a man aged 65.
The patient, with underlying diseases, had presented with fever, cough with sputum and shortness of breath since June 26. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of North Lantau Hospital on June 29 and was subsequently transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) on the same day for further management.
The patient was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit for septic shock on June 29. His condition deteriorated and he succumbed on June 30.
His sputum specimen tested positive for Legionella pneumophila upon testing by PMH.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient travelled from Japan to Huizhou on the Mainland and planned to return to Japan via transit in Hong Kong on June 28. Investigations are proceeding.
This is the 22nd 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, July 3, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:27
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