Press Release

CHP investigates sporadic case of Legionnaires' disease

22 August 2015

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 22) investigating a sporadic case of Legionnaires' disease (LD) affecting a man aged 60.

The patient, with good past health, lives in Kwai Shing West Estate in Kwai Chung. He has presented with cough and chest discomfort since August 8. He had sought medical consultation from private doctor twice and attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) today. He was then admitted to PMH for management. The clinical diagnosis was pneumonia and he is in stable condition.

His urine specimen tested positive for Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 antigen upon testing by PMH.

Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had travelled to Dongguan for two days during incubation period. His home contacts have remained asymptomatic.

"We are conducting epidemiological investigations into the possible source of infection. Relevant water samples and environmental swabs will be collected from potential sources for laboratory testing. We have provided health advice against LD to the patient and his family," a spokesman for the CHP said.

"As Legionella are found in various environmental settings and aqueous environments, investigations are ongoing," the spokesman added.

This is the 37th LD case reported to the CHP this year. In 2014 and 2013, 41 and 28 were recorded respectively.

Legionella are found in various environmental settings and grow well in warm water (20 to 45 degrees Celsius). They can be found in aqueous environments such as water tanks, hot and cold water systems, cooling towers, whirlpools and spas, water fountains and home apparatus that support breathing. People may get infected when they breathe in contaminated droplets (aerosols) and mist generated by artificial water systems. They may also get the infection when handling garden soils, compost and potting mixes.

It is most important to operate and maintain properly designed man-made water systems to prevent LD. The public may visit the pages below for more information:

• The CHP's LD page (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/24/2117.html); and
• The Code of Practice for Prevention of LD of the Prevention of LD Committee, Hong Kong(This link will open in a new windowwww.emsd.gov.hk/emsd/eng/pps/oa_ld_pub_cp.shtml).
• The Housekeeping Guidelines for Cold and Hot Water Systems for Building Management(This link will open in a new windowwww.emsd.gov.hk/emsd/eng/pps/oa_ld_pub.shtml).