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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 8) investigating a case of Legionnaires' disease (LD) affecting a woman aged 69.
The patient, with underlying illnesses, has presented with fever, cough and shortness of breath since July 3 and attended Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) yesterday (July 7) and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit for further management. The clinical diagnosis is pneumonia and she is now in serious condition.
Her endotracheal aspirate tested positive for Legionella pneumophila upon laboratory testing by PYNEH.
Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. Her home contact has remained asymptomatic. The CHP's investigations are ongoing.
This is the 24th 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, July 8, 2015
Issued at HKT 18:21
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