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Press Release

Update on cases of Legionnaires' disease

1 February 2016

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (February 1) reported the latest number of cases of Legionnaires' disease (LD) in Hong Kong, and stressed the importance of using and maintaining properly designed man-made water systems and that susceptible groups should strictly observe relevant precautions.

From January 24 to 30, three community-acquired LD cases were reported, namely:

  1. A man aged 64 with underlying illnesses who stayed in Zhuhai, Guangdong, during the entire incubation period;
  2. A man aged 66 with underlying illnesses who lives in Block 3, Nerine Cove, Tuen Mun; and
  3. A man aged 75 who stayed in Shenzhen during the entire incubation period.

"Epidemiological investigations are ongoing to identify potential sources of infection, high-risk exposures and clusters, if any," a spokesman for the CHP said.

As of January 30, a total of eight LD cases had been reported in 2016. In 2015 and 2014, there were 66 and 41 cases respectively.

Legionellae 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, whirlpool 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 soil, compost and potting mixes.

Persons with weakened immunity should strictly observe the health advice below:

The public, including susceptible groups, should take heed of the general precautions against LD below:

         1. Water gardens and compost gently using low pressure;
         2. Open composted potting mixes slowly and make sure the opening is directed away from the face;
         3. Wet the soil to reduce dust when potting plants; and
         4. Avoid working in poorly ventilated places such as enclosed greenhouses.

More information is available on the pages below:



Last Revision Date : 1 Feb 2016