Press Release

CHP investigates case of Legionnaires' Disease

15 May 2012

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 15) investigating a case of Legionnaires' Disease involving a 73-year-old man.

The patient, with chronic illness, presented with cough and shortness of breath since May 10. He was admitted to Ruttonjee Hospital on May 12. The diagnosis was pneumonia. His condition is now stable.

A urine sample test has revealed that the patient was infected with Legionella bacteria.

The patient had travelled to Guangzhou from May 1 to 3. Investigation is in progress.

This is the eighth 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, This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk.