Press Release

Case of Legionnaires' Disease under investigation

29 June 2012

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 29) investigating a case of Legionnaires' Disease involving a 66-year-old woman.

The patient, with underlying illness, presented with cough, fever and blood-stained sputum and shortness of breath since June 21. She was admitted to North District Hospital on June 25. Her condition deteriorated and she was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit on June 27.

The clinical diagnosis was pneumonia complicated with multi organs failure. Her current condition is critical.

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

The patient had no recent travel history. Her home contacts were asymptomatic. Investigation is in progress.

This is the 13th 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.