8 Jan 2009
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (January 8) investigating a case of Legionnaires' Disease (LD) involving a 51-year-old male tourist.
The man developed fever, headache, cough and shortness of breath on December 31, 2008, while travelling in the Mainland. He arrived in Hong Kong on January 4 and was admitted to a private hospital on Hong Kong Island on January 6. Laboratory investigation confirmed Legionnaires' Disease today. He is currently in the hospital in stable condition. Family members traveling with him were asymptomatic.
This is the second Legionnaire's Disease case reported this year. Thirteen cases were reported in 2008, 11 in 2007 and 16 in 2006.
To prevent the disease, people are reminded to observe the following:
* An individual may reduce their susceptibility to the disease by avoiding smoking and excessive drinking, and maintaining good health.
* People handling garden soils, composts and potting mixes should take the following precautions:
- Gently water gardens and composts using low pressure.
- Open composted potting mixes slowly and make sure the opening is directed away from the face.
- Wet the soil to reduce dust when potting plants.
- Prevent working in poorly ventilated places such as enclosed greenhouses and
- Wash hands carefully afterwards.
* Proper design, operation and maintenance of man-made water systems.
For more information about good practices to be followed in the design, installation, operation and maintenance of man-made water systems, please visit the website of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department ( http://www.emsd.gov.hk/emsd/eng/pps/oa_ld_pub_cp.shtml ) for the Code of Practice published by the Prevention of Legionnaires' Disease Committee in 2007.
Information on LD and advice on preventive measures can also be found in CHP's website. (
http://www.chp.gov.hk
)