9 Jan 2009
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 9) advised a private clubhouse in Discovery Bay to temporarily close its Jacuzzi facilities to facilitate investigation into a case of Legionnaires' Disease (LD) involving a 38-year-old man.
Preliminary laboratory tests on water samples taken at the clubhouse’s Jacuzzi earlier this month yielded positive results for Legionella, a type of bacteria that caused LD. Further tests are being conducted.
A spokesman for CHP said the temporary closure is a precautionary measure to protect public health.
"CHP has conducted visits to the clubhouse and advised the management to carry out thorough disinfection and cleansing measures."
The spokesman said a hotline 2125 1122 would be set up to provide health information to the residents there. The hotline will be operated from 9 to 5 tomorrow onwards.
He added, "LD mostly presents with fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. The incubation period is two to 10 days. Residents of Discovery Bay who had visited the Jacuzzi facilities should pay attention to their health condition and seek medical attention if they have the above symptoms."
The 38-year-old patient developed fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain and cough on December 27, 2008. He is now under treatment in a private hospital and is in stable condition.
CHP's investigations revealed that during the incubation period, he had stayed in a relative’s home on Lantau Island and used Jacuzzi facilities in the clubhouse. He had also travelled to Mainland China.
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
)