CHP investigates case of Legionnaires' disease
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (January 27) investigating a case of Legionnaires' disease (LD) affecting a man aged 44.

     The patient, with good past health, has presented with fever, cough and shortness of breath since January 20 and consulted a private doctor on January 23. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) yesterday (January 26) and was admitted on the same day for further management.

     The clinical diagnosis was pneumonia and he has been in stable condition all along.

     His urine sample tested positive for Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 antigen upon testing by PYNEH.

     Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had travelled to Dongguan on his own from January 14 to 16. His home contacts have remained asymptomatic so far. Investigations are proceeding.

     This is the sixth LD case reported to the CHP this year. In 2014 and 2013, 41 and 28 cases were recorded respectively.

     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, January 27, 2015
Issued at HKT 14:54

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