Press Release

CHP investigates two cases of Legionnaires' disease

26 November 2014

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (November 26) investigating two cases of Legionnaires' disease (LD) affecting two men aged 46 and 61 respectively.

The first patient is aged 46 with good past health. He presented with fever, cough, runny nose, vomiting and diarrhoea since November 17. He had syncope on November 23 and was admitted to Queen Mary Hospital the next day. His clinical diagnosis is pneumonia and he is now in stable condition.

His urine sample tested positive for Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 antigen upon laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch (PHLSB).

The second patient is aged 61 with underlying illnesses. He presented with fever, cough and shortness of breath since the end of October. He was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital on November 11 and was subsequently transferred to the Intensive Care Unit for further management. His clinical diagnosis is pneumonia and he is now in critical condition.

His sera samples tested positive for antibodies against Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 upon laboratory testing by the PHLSB.

Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that both patients had no recent travel history. Their home contacts remain asymptomatic. Investigations are proceeding.

These are the 37th and the 38th LD cases 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 (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/24/2117.html) for further information and corresponding preventive advice.