*************************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 5) investigating a case of Legionnaires' Disease involving a 59-year-old man.
The patient, with chronic illness, presented with fever and cough since June 30. He was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on July 2. The clinical diagnosis was pneumonia.
His current condition is stable. A urine test revealed that the patient was infected with Legionella bacteria.
The patient had no recent travel history. His home contacts were asymptomatic.
The investigation is continuing.
This is the 14th case of Legionnaires' Disease reported to the CHP this year. Seventeen cases were filed in 2011, 20 in 2010 and 37 in 2009.
Information on Legionnaires' Disease and advice on its prevention can be found on the CHP's website, www.chp.gov.hk.
Ends/Thursday, July 5, 2012
Issued at HKT 14:00
NNNN
