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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 25) provided updates on the epidemiological investigation into a case of Legionnaires' disease (LD) affecting a man aged 66 reported on November 12.
The patient was admitted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) for his underlying illness on October 27 and has only developed cough, shortness of breath and fever until November 10. He has no recent travel history and did not return to his residence during incubation period.
"As part of the investigation in relation to the possible source of infection, water samples and environment samples were collected from PYNEH for testing of Legionella, the bacteria causing LD, during the joint epidemiological and environment investigation by the CHP, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) and PYNEH," a spokesman for the CHP said.
Upon testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, results today revealed that four out of 32 pairs of water samples taken from water outlets in PYNEH had been tested positive for Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 with the levels ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 colony-forming units per millilitre (cfu/ml). In addition, two out of 14 environment swabs collected in PYNEH had also been tested positive for Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1.
"Of note, sputum specimens collected from the patient were cultured negative for Legionella species so far, and the source of infection is hence yet to be ascertained at this juncture. As Legionella can be found in various environment settings and aqueous environment, further investigations into the source of infection are underway," the spokesman remarked.
"In collaboration with PYNEH, the CHP has enhanced medical surveillance in the ward to which the patient was earlier admitted since November 12 and no additional cases have been identified thus far. We will maintain close liaison with PYNEH to monitor the latest developments," the spokesman stressed.
As a precautionary measure, the CHP has recommended PYNEH to adopt the following infection control measures:
* Stop using relevant shower heads of the affected ward;
* Install filters to water taps;
* Provide boiled water for in-patients' drinking and mouth rinsing; and
* Enhance surveillance of other in-patients and conduct urine testing to those with symptoms of pneumonia.
Legionella are found in various environment settings and grow well in warm water (25 to 40 degrees Celsius). They can be found in moist environments such as water tanks, cooling towers, whirlpools and spas, water fountains and apparatus that support breathing. Proper design, operation and maintenance of man-made water systems can prevent LD.
The public may visit the websites below for more information:
* The CHP's LD page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/24/2117.html); and
* The EMSD's page on the Code of Practice for Prevention of LD
(www.emsd.gov.hk/emsd/eng/pps/oa_ld_pub_cp.shtml).
Ends/Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Issued at HKT 20:46
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