The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (December 15) investigating a case of leptospirosis, a disease caused by the bacteria Leptospira.
 
     The male patient, aged 72 with underlying illnesses, has presented with fever, sore throat and cough since November 11. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) on November 21 and was admitted on the same day. His condition deteriorated and he was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit of PMH on December 7, requiring ventilatory support. He is now in critical condition.
 
     Serology tests confirmed that he had leptospirosis.
 
     The CHP's investigation revealed that the patient had no recent travel history and his home contact was asymptomatic. Investigation is in progress.
 
     Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacteria Leptospira, which can be found in some animals including rodents, cattle, pigs, horses and dogs.
 
     Most human infections occur through contact with urine excreted by infected animals, primarily through skin abrasions, open wounds or mucous membranes and occasionally through ingestion of contaminated food or inhalation.
 
     The disease is not normally transmissible among humans. The incubation period is usually between four and 19 days.
 
     The CHP's spokesman said people infected with leptospirosis commonly present with a flu-like illness with high fever, headache, muscle pain, red eye, sore throat and rash. In some cases the disease can cause anaemia and affect the liver, kidneys, lungs and other internal organs. The disease can be treated effectively with antibiotics.
 
     The risk of infection can be minimised by covering open wounds properly and avoiding contact with the urine of live animals or objects contaminated by them, as well as polluted water, the spokesman said.

Ends/Thursday, December 15, 2016
Issued at HKT 19:45

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