8 Nov 2010
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a confirmed case of Legionnaires' Disease.
The patient is a 75-year-old man who lives in Australia. He developed shortness of breath, fever and cough on October 25, while he was travelling with his wife in the Mainland China. He came to Hong Kong on October 27 was admitted to Pok Oi Hospital on the same day. He had recovered and was discharged on Nov 4.
Blood test revealed that he had been infected with Legionella bacteria.
CHP's investigation showed that he was traveling in the Mainland China during incubation period. His wife also had history of cough and fever. She attended accident and emergency department for treatment and was diagnosed as having bronchitis. She has completely recovered.
Investigation is still going on.
This is the 18th 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
).