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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 7) investigating a case of Legionnaires' disease (LD) affecting a 65-year-old woman.
The patient, with underlying illnesses, has presented with fever, chills, myalgia, cough, dizziness and shortness of breath since April 30. She was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) today and was subsequently transferred to Intensive Care Unit for further management. Her clinical diagnosis was pneumonia. She is currently in critical condition.
Her urine sample tested positive for Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 antigen upon laboratory testing by QEH.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient has no recent travel history. Her home contacts are asymptomatic so far. Investigations are proceeding.
This is the ninth 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, May 7, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:51
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