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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (April 29) investigating a case of Legionnaires' disease (LD) affecting a 68-year-old man.
The patient, with good past health, has presented with fever, cough and shortness of breath since April 21. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH) yesterday (April 28) and was admitted for treatment on the same day. His clinical diagnosis was pneumonia. His condition has been stable all along.
His urine sample tested positive for Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 antigen upon laboratory testing by PWH.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient has no recent travel history. His wife had cough and subsequently sought medical consultation. She is currently in stable condition. His other home contact is asymptomatic so far. Investigations are proceeding.
This is the eighth LD case reported to the CHP this year. In 2013 and 2012, 28 cases were filed in each year.
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/Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Issued at HKT 14:35
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