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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 4) investigating a case of Legionnaires' disease (LD) affecting a 55-year-old man.
The patient, with underlying illnesses, has presented with fever and cough since July 1. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital and was admitted for treatment on the same day. His clinical diagnosis was pneumonia. He is currently in stable condition.
His urine sample tested positive for Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 antigen upon laboratory testing by the hospital.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient travelled to Macau on June 27 and 28. His travel collaterals and home contact have remained asymptomatic so far. Investigations are proceeding.
This is the 17th 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/Friday, July 4, 2014
Issued at HKT 14:25
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