Update on cases of Legionnaires' disease

2024-07-02 18:30 Last Updated At：23:19

Chp reports rise in legionnaires' disease cases; urges proper maintenance of water systems to protect vulnerable groups

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (July 2) reported the latest number of cases of Legionnaires' disease (LD), and stressed the importance of using and maintaining properly designed man-made water systems, adding that susceptible groups should strictly observe relevant precautions.

From June 23 to 29, the CHP recorded two community-acquired LD cases and one imported LD case:

"Epidemiological investigations are ongoing to identify potential sources of infection, high-risk exposure and clusters, if any," a spokesman for the CHP said.

As of June 29, 51 LD cases had been recorded this year. In 2023 and 2022, there were 121 and 80 cases respectively.

"Men, people aged over 50, smokers, alcoholics and persons with weakened immunity are more susceptible to LD. Some situations may also increase the risk of infection, including poor maintenance of water systems; living in areas with old water systems, cooling towers or fountains; using electric water heaters, whirlpools and spas or hot water spring spas; and recent stays in hotels or vessels," the spokesman said.

Legionellae are found in various environmental settings and grow well in warm water (20 to 45 degrees Celsius). They can be found in aqueous environments such as water tanks, hot and cold water systems, cooling towers, whirlpools and spas, water fountains and home apparatus that support breathing. People may become infected when they breathe in contaminated droplets (aerosols) and mist generated by artificial water systems, or when handling garden soil, compost and potting mixes.

Immunocompromised persons should:

The public should observe the health advice below:

The public may visit the CHP'sLD page, theCode of Practice for Prevention of LDand theHousekeeping Guidelines for Cold and Hot Water Systems for Building Managementof the Prevention of LD Committee, and the CHP'srisk-based strategyfor prevention and control of LD.

Update on cluster of COVID-19 cases in Ruttonjee Hospital

2024-07-05 19:21 Last Updated At：19:38

Covid-19 cluster grows in geriatric ward: two more patients test positive, one in critical condition - ruttonjee hospital provides update

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

Regarding an earlier announcement on a cluster of patients infected with COVID-19 in a geriatric infirmary ward, the spokesperson for Ruttonjee Hospital made the following update today (July 5):

Two more male patients (aged 49 and 85) in the ward have presented with respiratory symptoms. Appropriate tests were arranged for the patients and their test results were positive for COVID-19. The patients concerned are currently being treated in cohort isolation. One of them is in critical condition due to underlying diseases whereas the other one is in serious condition.

Infection control measures have already been stepped up according to established guidelines. All other patients in the ward are under close surveillance.

The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow up.