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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a confirmed case of Legionnaires' Disease.
The patient is a 71-year-old woman with an underlying medical condition. She lives in Kwun Tong District. The patient presented with fever and cough beginning December 17, 2010 and was admitted to United Christian Hospital on December 21. She is now in stable condition.
Urine tests revealed that the patient was infected with Legionella bacteria.
The patient did not have travel history during the incubation period. Her home contacts were asymptomatic.
This is the first case of Legionnaires' Disease reported to CHP this year. Twenty cases were filed in 2010, 37 in 2009, 13 in 2008 and 11 in 2007. Information on Legionnaires' Disease and advice on prevention can be found at the CHP's website, www.chp.gov.hk .
Ends/Thursday, January 6, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:59
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