Case of Legionnaires' disease under CHP investigation
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 29) investigating a case of Legionnaires' disease (LD) affecting a man aged 56.

     The patient, with underlying illness, has presented with fever, cough, blood-stained sputum, sore throat and runny nose since May 12. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Tseung Kwan O Hospital on May 17 and was admitted on the same day for further management.

     His clinical diagnosis is pneumonia. He was discharged on May 27 in stable condition.

     Culture of his sputum specimen yielded Group One Legionella pneumophila.

     Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. His home contact is asymptomatic. Investigations are proceeding.

     This is the 15th LD case reported to the CHP this year. In 2014 and 2013, 41 and 28 cases were recorded respectively.

     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/Friday, May 29, 2015
Issued at HKT 21:33

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