Press Release

Fatal case of Legionnaires' disease under CHP investigation

23 February 2015

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (February 23) investigating a fatal case of Legionnaires' disease (LD) involving a man aged 67.

The patient, with underlying diseases, has presented with fever, cough and sore throat since February 19 and developed loss of consciousness on street yesterday. He was subsequently sent to the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) and was admitted on the same day for further management.

The clinical diagnosis was pneumonia. The patient was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit with intubation yesterday. His condition deteriorated and succumbed today.

His tracheal aspirate tested positive for Legionella pneumophila upon testing by TMH.

Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient lived alone with no recent travel history. Investigations are proceeding.

This is the seventh LD case reported to the CHP this year. In 2014 and 2013, 41 and 28 cases were recorded respectively.

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.