30 July 2014
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 30) investigating a case of Legionnaires' disease (LD) affecting a man aged 68.
The patient, with underlying illnesses, had presented with fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, cough, shortness of breath and chest pain since July 16 and was admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital on July 29 for management. His clinical diagnosis was pneumonia and he has been in stable condition all along.
His urine sample tested positive for Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 antigen today upon laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. Investigations are proceeding.
This is the 27th LD case reported to the CHP this year. In 2013 and 2012, 28 cases were filed in each year.
The public may visit the CHP's LD page ( www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/24/2117.html ) for further information and corresponding preventive advice.