**************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a case of leptospirosis, a disease caused by the bacteria Leptospira, involving a 39-year-old man.
A CHP spokesman said the patient had presented with fever and upper respiratory tract symptoms since October 2. He attended the outpatient clinic of St Teresa's Hospital (STH) on October 3 for medical treatment. However, his condition deteriorated and he developed generalised rash, jaundice, progressive malaise and nausea on the subsequent days. He attended STH again on October 6 and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of Queen Elizabeth Hospital on the same day because of acute liver and renal failure.
The patient's condition gradually improved after admission and he was transferred to a general ward on October 11. He recovered and was discharged on October 22.
Serology tests confirmed that he had leptospirosis.
The man, who lives in Kowloon City, had no recent travel history. His home contacts were 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 mammals, primarily through skin abrasions, open wounds or mucous membranes and occasionally through ingestion or inhalation.
The disease is normally not transmissible among humans. The incubation period is usually between four and 19 days.
The 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 mammals or objects contaminated by them, as well as polluted water, the spokesman said.
Ends/Friday, November 11, 2011
Issued at HKT 19:40
NNNN
