Update on investigation into case of Legionnaires' disease in hospital
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The male patient aged 59 died on May 23. His respiratory specimen tested positive for Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 (Lp1) upon laboratory testing.
Water samples and environmental swabs were collected from QEH for testing of legionella in a joint investigation of the CHP and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department on the possible source of infection and to support the implementation of control measures.
Regarding water samples, five out of 12 tested positive for Legionella species, with levels from 0.1 to 1.4 colony-forming units per millilitre (cfu/ml). Among them, one collected from the water tap in the toilet of the patient's room tested positive for Lp1 at 0.1 cfu/ml.
"Our epidemiological investigations show that the patient mainly stayed in the ward in QEH in the entire incubation period. His respiratory specimen and the water sample from the toilet water tap were of the same sequence type of Lp1. Information so far has thus indicated that the patient had likely acquired LD in QEH," a spokesman for the CHP said.
"We noted that QEH has conducted disinfection for the water systems concerned. The CHP has provided health advice against LD to hospital staff and in-patients, including those with weakened immunity who should use sterile or boiled water for drinking, teeth brushing and mouth rinsing," the spokesman said.
"Medical surveillance in the ward to which the patient was admitted has been enhanced in collaboration with QEH. No additional cases have been identified thus far. We will maintain close liaison with QEH to monitor the latest developments. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing," the spokesman added.
As of May 27, a total of 27 LD cases (24 community-acquired, two nosocomial, one institutional) had been reported in 2017. In 2016 and 2015, there were 75 and 66 cases respectively.
Ends/Friday, June 2, 2017
Issued at HKT 18:40
Issued at HKT 18:40
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