13 September 2012
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 13) investigating a case of Legionnaires' Disease involving a 72-year-old man.
The patient, who had underlying illness, was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital on August 30 for minor head injury. He presented with fever since September 3 and was transferred to Intensive Care Unit on September 10 because of respiratory failure. He is now in stable condition.
Test results of his endotracheal aspirate samples revealed that the patient was infected with Legionella bacteria.
The patient has no recent travel history. His home contacts were asymptomatic. Investigation is in progress.
This is the 22nd case of Legionnaires' Disease reported to the CHP this year. Seventeen cases were filed in 2011, 20 in 2010 and 37 in 2009.
Information on Legionnaires' Disease and advice on prevention can be found on the CHP's website, www.chp.gov.hk .