22 Jul 2011
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a confirmed case of Legionnaires' Disease involving a 43-year-old man living in Sai Kung.
The patient presented with fever and shortness of breath since July 17. He was initially admitted to St.Teresa's Hospital and transferred to Queen Elizabeth Hospital today. The patient is now in critical condition.
Urine tests revealed that the patient was infected with Legionella bacteria.
The patient had no recent travel history during the incubation period. His home contact is asymptomatic.
Investigation is on-going.
This is the seventh case of Legionnaires' Disease reported to CHP this year. Twenty cases were filed in 2010, 37 in 2009, 13 in 2008 and 11 in 2007.
Information on Legionnaires' Disease and advice on prevention can be found at the CHP's website,
www.chp.gov.hk
.