Press Release

Case of Legionnaires' Disease investigated

4 September 2012

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 4) investigating a case of Legionnaires' Disease involving a 79-year-old woman.

The patient, who had underlying illness, presented with malaise, cough with sputum and shortness of breath since August 16. She attended the outpatient clinic of St. Paul’s Hospital on September 2 and was admitted to the hospital on the same day. She is now in stable condition.

Her urine sample tested positive for serogroup 1 Legionella pneumophilia antigen.

The patient had no recent travel history. Her home contact was asymptomatic. Investigation is in progress.

This is the 21st 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.