The Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today investigating a case of Legionnaires’ disease (LD) affecting a man aged 66.
The patient was admitted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) for his underlying illness on October 27. He has developed cough, shortness of breath and fever since November 10 and was transferred to Intensive Care Unit for further management today. His clinical diagnosis was pneumonia and he is now in stable condition.
His urine sample tested positive for Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 antigen by the hospital.
Initial inquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. His home contact remains asymptomatic. Investigations are proceeding.
This is the 35th LD case reported to the CHP this year. In 2013 and 2012, 28 cases were filed in each year.
Legionnaires’ disease is caused by a type of bacteria called Legionella. The Legionella bacteria are found naturally in the environment, usually in water. The bacteria grow best in warm water, like the kind found in hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, large plumbing systems and decorative fountains.
People get Legionnaires’ disease when they breathe in a mist or vapor (small droplets of water in the air) containing the bacteria.
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