10 Jan 2009
A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 10) called on operators of jacuzzis and owners of cooling towers to keep their facilities in good maintenance to prevent a possible outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease (LD).
The appeal followed the detection of legionella, a type of bacteria that caused LD in the jacuzzi of a private clubhouse in Discovery Bay yesterday.
The spokesman said regular and thorough disinfection of jacuzzis and other facilities concerned could protect public health.
He said up to 3pm today, the hotline 2125 1122 set up by the CHP to provide health information on LD have received 36 enquiries. The hotline will be operated from 9 am to 5 pm.
The spokesman said LD mostly presents with fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
The 38-year-old patient who had used jacuzzi facilities in the clubhouse in Discovery Bay before onset of LD symptoms last month is under treatment in a private hospital. He is in stable condition.
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 ).