Press Release

Case of Legionnaires' disease under CHP investigation

25 November 2013

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (November 25) investigating a case of Legionnaires' disease (LD) affecting a 63-year-old man.

The patient, with underlying illnesses, has presented with fever, cough, chills and shortness of breath since November 17. He was admitted to a private hospital on November 21 and was transferred to Prince of Wales Hospital on November 22 for further management. His clinical diagnosis was pneumonia and he is currently in critical condition.

His urine sample tested positive for Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 antigen upon laboratory testing by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP.

Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. His home contacts have so far remained asymptomatic. Investigations are proceeding.

This is the 27th 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.