*******************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (December 9) is investigating a suspected case of leptospirosis involving a 53-year-old man.
The patient developed fever, cough, muscle pain and malaise on November 20. He was admitted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital on November 28 and is now in stable condition.
Initial laboratory tests on his blood sample yielded positive results for leptospirosis today.
Investigations revealed the patient did not have any recent travel history outside Hong Kong before the onset of illness. His home contacts did not have any symptoms. CHP's investigations are proceeding.
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacteria leptospira. Leptospira organisms can be found in some animals including rodents, cattle, pigs, horses and dogs.
Most human infections occur through contact with urine excreted by infected mammals primarily through skin abrasions, open wounds or mucous membranes, and occasionally through ingestion or inhalation.
The disease is normally not transmitted from person to person and the incubation period is usually between four to 19 days.
A CHP spokesman said patients with leptospirosis commonly presented with a flu-like illness with high fever, headache, muscle pains, red eye, sore throat and rash. In some cases, the disease can cause anaemia and affect the liver, kidneys, lungs, and other internal organs. The disease can be treated effectively with antibiotics.
The incidence of leptospirosis is low in Hong Kong. There was one local case in 2001, two local cases in 2002, one imported case in 2003 and one imported and five local cases in 2004. So far this year, there have been seven cases (including today's case).
"Overseas outbreaks of leptospirosis are usually related to occupational or recreational water exposures, such as water contaminated with urine of infected animals," the spokesman said.
Ends/Friday, December 9, 2005
Issued at HKT 18:05
NNNN
