Case of Legionnaires' Disease under CHP investigation
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (November 12) investigating a case of Legionnaires' Disease involving a 60-year-old man.

     The patient with chronic illness presented with fever and coughing symptoms on November 5 and sought medical consultation from a private doctor the following day (November 6). He was subsequently admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital on November 9. The clinical diagnosis was pneumonia and he is currently in stable condition.

     His urine sample tested positive for serogroup 1 Legionella pneumophilia antigen.

     The patient has no recent travel history. His family contacts were asymptomatic. Investigations by the CHP are under way.

     This is the 23rd case of Legionnaires' Disease reported to the CHP this year. The previously reported 23rd case on September 14 was deleted after investigation. Seventeen cases were filed in 2011, 20 in 2010 and 37 in 2009.

     For further information on the Legionnaires' Disease and preventive advice, the public may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk).

Ends/Monday, November 12, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:19

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