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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 2) investigating a case of Legionnaires' disease (LD) affecting a woman aged 87.
The patient, with underlying illness, has presented with fever, cough, shortness of breath and muscle pain since June 23. She attended the out-patient department of a private hospital on June 25 and was subsequently admitted on the same day.
The clinical diagnosis is pneumonia and she is now in a stable condition.
Her urine sample tested positive for Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 antigen upon preliminary laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. Her home contacts have remained asymptomatic. Investigations are ongoing.
This is the 21st LD case reported to the CHP this year. In 2014 and 2013, 41 cases 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 further information and corresponding preventive advice.
Ends/Thursday, July 2, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:43
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