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CHP investigates two cases of Legionnaires' disease
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (October 26) investigating two cases of Legionnaires' disease.

     The first case is a male patient aged 35 with good past health who lives in Tsz Tong Tsuen, Kam Tin, Yuen Long. He has presented with cough with sputum and shortness of breath since October 9. He attended Pok Oi Hospital and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on October 23 for management. The clinical diagnosis was pneumonia and he is now in critical condition.

     His urine specimen tested positive for Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 (Lp1) antigen upon testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch (PHLSB). Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no recent travel history.

     The other patient is a man aged 41 with underlying illnesses who lives in Tai Yuen Estate, Tai Po. He has presented with fever and cough since October 24. He attended Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital and was admitted to the ICU yesterday (October 25) for management. The clinical diagnosis was pneumonia and he is now in stable condition.

     His urine specimen tested positive for Lp1 antigen upon testing by the PHLSB. Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. His home contacts have remained asymptomatic so far.

     "Epidemiological investigations into the possible sources of infection are under way. Relevant water samples and environmental swabs will be collected from potential sources for laboratory testing. Health advice against LD has been given to the patients and contacts," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     "As legionellae are found in various environmental settings and aqueous environments, investigations are ongoing," the spokesman added.

     These are the 57th and 58th LD cases reported to the CHP this year. In 2014 and 2013, 41 and 28 cases were recorded respectively.

     Legionellae are found in various environmental settings and grow well in warm water (20 to 45 degrees Celsius). They can be found in aqueous environments such as water tanks, hot and cold water systems, cooling towers, whirlpools and spas, water fountains and home apparatus that support breathing. People may get infected when they breathe in contaminated droplets (aerosols) and mist generated by artificial water systems. They may also get the infection when handling garden soil, compost and potting mixes.

     It is most important to operate and maintain properly designed man-made water systems to prevent LD. The public may visit the pages below for more information:

* The CHP's LD page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/24307.html);
* The Code of Practice for Prevention of LD of the Prevention of LD Committee, Hong Kong (www.emsd.gov.hk/emsd/eng/pps/oa_ld_pub_cp.shtml); and
* The Housekeeping Guidelines for Cold and Hot Water Systems for Building Management (www.emsd.gov.hk/emsd/eng/pps/oa_ld_pub.shtml).

Ends/Monday, October 26, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:16

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