CHP investigates case of Legionnaires' Disease
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 15) investigating a case of Legionnaires' Disease involving a 56-year-old man.

     The patient, with good past health, presented with cough and fever since June 8. He sought medical consultation at St Teresa's Hospital on June 14 and was admitted the same day. The diagnosis was pneumonia. His current condition is stable.

     A urine test revealed that the patient was infected with Legionella bacteria.

     The patient had recently travelled to Macao. His home contacts were asymptomatic. Investigation is in progress.

     This is the 11th case of Legionnaires' Disease reported to the CHP this year. Seventeen cases were filed in 2011, 20 in 2010 and 37 in 2009.

     Information on Legionnaires' Disease and advice on prevention can be found on the CHP's website, www.chp.gov.hk.

Ends/Friday, June 15, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:50

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