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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (February 19) investigating a case of Legionnaires' disease (LD) affecting a man aged 81.
The patient, with underlying illnesses, lives in Shenzhen. He has presented with cough and shortness of breath since February 13. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital on February 16 and was admitted for further management on the same day. His condition deteriorated and he was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit on February 17.
The clinical diagnosis was pneumonia and he is currently in critical condition.
His tracheal aspirate was positive for Legionella pneumophila upon laboratory testing.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had returned to Hong Kong on February 16. His home contact in the Mainland has remained asymptomatic. Investigations are proceeding.
This is the second LD case reported to the CHP this year. In 2013 and 2012, 28 cases were filed in each year.
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/Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:49
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