18 September 2014
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 18) investigating a case of Legionnaires' disease (LD) affecting a woman aged 77.
The patient, with underlying illnesses, presented with cough, fever, vomiting and malaise since August 18 and subsequently consulted a private doctor and a general out-patient clinic. She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Mary Hospital on August 27 and was admitted on the same day. She was later transferred to Tung Wah Hospital on August 30 for further management. Her clinical diagnosis was pneumonia. She is now in stable condition.
Her urine sample tested positive for Legionella pneumophilia serogroup 1 antigen upon laboratory testing by CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. Her home contact remains asymptomatic. Investigations are proceeding.
This is the 31st LD case reported to the CHP this year. In 2013 and 2012, 28 cases were filed 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.