Press Release
CHP investigates two sporadic cases of Legionnaires' disease
4 August 2015
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 4) investigating two sporadic cases of Legionnaires' disease (LD) affecting two men aged 56 and 65.
The first patient is aged 56 with underlying illnesses. He presented with fever, cough, chills and rigors since July 27. He was admitted to United Christian Hospital (UCH) on August 3 for management. The clinical diagnosis is pneumonia and he is in stable condition.
His urine sample tested positive for Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 antigen upon laboratory testing by UCH.
Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. He lives in Tsui Ping (South) Estate in Kwun Tong. His home contacts remain asymptomatic. Investigations are proceeding.
The second patient is aged 65 with underlying illnesses. He presented with fever, cough, shortness of breath and chest pain since August 1. He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of Caritas Medical Centre today. His clinical diagnosis is pneumonia with septic shock and he is in critical condition.
His urine sample tested positive for Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 antigen upon laboratory testing by Princess Margaret Hospital.
Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. He lives in Wing Cheong Estate in Sham Shui Po. Investigations are proceeding.
"We are working with relevant department for epidemiological investigations into the possible source of infection of the individual patient. Relevant water samples and environment swabs will be collected from potential sources for laboratory testing. We have provided health advice on LD to the patient and his family," a spokesman for the CHP said.
"As Legionella bacteria can be widely found in the environment, investigations are ongoing," the spokesman remarked.
These are the 27th and the 28th LD cases 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 more information and corresponding preventive advice.