CHP investigates case of Legionnaires' Disease

9 Mar 2010

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a confirmed case of Legionnaires' Disease.

The case involved a 61-year-old woman living in Kowloon City. She has history of hypertension. She developed fever, chills and rigor, malaise and chest pain since March 1 and was admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital on March 5. She is now in stable condition.

A urine test revealed that she had been infected with Legionella bacteria.

CHP's investigation showed that the patient had travelled to Mainland China from February 19 to 22. Her home contacts were asymptomatic.

This is the fifth case of Legionnaires' Disease reported this year. Thirty-seven cases were reported in 2009, 13 in 2008 and 11 in 2007.

Information on Legionnaires' Disease and advice on prevention can be found on the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk).