Press Release

CHP investigating a case of Legionnaires' disease

13 August 2013

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 13) investigating a case of Legionnaires' disease (LD) affecting a 59-year-old man.

The patient, who had good past health, has suffered from fever, malaise, headache, cough with sputum and shortness of breath since August 3. He sought medical attention from private doctors on August 4, 5 and 8. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) on August 9 for persistent fever and was admitted for management.

The clinical diagnosis was pneumonia and he is currently in stable condition.

The patient's sputum specimen tested positive for Legionella pneumophila by PYNEH.

Initial investigations by the CHP revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. His home contacts have remained asymptomatic.

The CHP's investigations are proceeding.

This is the 11th LD case reported to the CHP this year. Twenty-eight cases were filed in 2012 and 17 in 2011.

The public may visit the CHP website (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/24/2117.html) for further information on LD and preventive advice.