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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 5) investigating two sporadic cases of Legionnaires' disease (LD) affecting two men aged 69 and 65.
The first patient is aged 69 with underlying illnesses. He presented with fever, cough, abdominal pain and diarrhoea since August 1. He was admitted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) on August 4 for management. The clinical diagnosis is pneumonia and he is in stable condition.
His nasopharyngeal aspirate tested positive for Legionella pneumophila upon laboratory testing by PYNEH.
Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had travelled to Dongguan, Guangdong, on July 30. He lives in a private residential building on Ngoi Man Street, Shau Kei Wan. His home contact remains asymptomatic. Investigations are proceeding.
The second patient is aged 65 with good past health. He presented with fever and cough since July 29. He was admitted to Tseung Kwan O Hospital on August 4 for management. His clinical diagnosis is pneumonia and he is in stable condition.
His urine sample tested positive for Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 antigen upon laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.
Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. He lives in Po Lam Estate in Tseung Kwan O. His home contacts remain asymptomatic. Investigations are proceeding.
These are the 29th and 30th LD cases 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 more information and corresponding preventive advice.
Ends/Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:42
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