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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 75-year-old man who lives in Australia. He developed shortness of breath, fever and coughing on October 25, while he was travelling with his wife in Mainland China. He came to Hong Kong on October 27 was admitted to Pok Oi Hospital on the same day. He has recovered and was discharged on November 4.
Blood tests reveal that he had been infected with Legionella bacteria.
CHP's investigation showed that he was travelling in the Mainland China during the incubation period. His wife also had a recent history of coughing and fever. She attended the accident and emergency department for treatment and was diagnosed as having bronchitis. She has completely recovered.
The investigation is continuing.
This is the 18th case of Legionnaires' Disease reported this year. Thirty-seven cases were reported in 2009, 13 in 2008 and 11 in 2007.
Information on Legionnaires' Disease and advice on prevention can be found on the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk).
Ends/Monday, November 8, 2010
Issued at HKT 17:30
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