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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 15) investigating a case of Legionnaires' Disease involving a 59-year-old man.
The patient, with chronic illness, presented with fever and cough since August 8. He was admitted to United Christian Hospital on August 13. The clinical diagnosis was pneumonia. He is now under intensive care in critical condition.
A urine test revealed that the patient was infected with Legionella bacteria.
The patient had no recent travel history. His home contacts were asymptomatic. Investigation is in progress.
This is the 18th 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 prevention can be found on the CHP's website, www.chp.gov.hk .
Ends/Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Issued at HKT 19:19
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