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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (March 5) investigating a case of Legionnaires' disease (LD) affecting a man aged 64.
The patient, with underlying medical conditions, presented with fever, cough with sputum, shortness of breath and diarrhoea since February 25. He was admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital on March 3. His clinical diagnosis was chest infection. His condition has been stable all along.
His urine sample tested positive for Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 antigen upon laboratory testing by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient lived alone with no recent travel history. Investigations are proceeding.
This is the fourth 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, March 5, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:43
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