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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 7) investigating a case of Legionnaires' disease (LD) involving a man aged 71.
The patient, with underlying diseases, had presented with fever, cough with bloodstained sputum and shortness of breath since June 23. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Mary Hospital on July 2 and was admitted on the same day. He was transferred to Grantham Hospital on July 6 for further management. His clinical diagnosis is pneumonia and his current condition is stable.
His urine sample tested positive for Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 antigen upon testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient, who lives alone, had travelled to Shenzhen on June 26. Investigations are proceeding.
This is the 23rd 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/Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Issued at HKT 14:56
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