Press Release

Case of Legionnaires' disease under CHP investigation

18 September 2013

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 18) investigating a case of Legionnaires' disease (LD) affecting an 81-year-old woman.

The patient, with underlying illnesses, presented with fever and shortness of breath since August 22. She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Mary Hospital on August 24 and was admitted subsequently. Her clinical diagnosis was pneumonia. The patient was discharged on August 30.

Her serum sample tested positive for Legionella bacteria upon laboratory testing.

Her home contacts have so far remained asymptomatic. Investigations are proceeding.

This is the 18th 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's website (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/24/2117.html) for further information on LD and corresponding preventive advice.