Two diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease

The Centre for Health Protection reported two cases of community-acquired Legionnaires' disease from August 16 to 22.

One of the cases involves an 86-year-old male patient with underlying illnesses, who lives in Fu Men Mansion at Kowloon City.

Another is a 59-year-old male patient with underlying illnesses, who lives in Tower 6, Phase 2, Metro Town in Sai Kung.
 
"Epidemiological investigations are ongoing to identify potential sources of infection, high-risk exposure, and clusters, if any," a spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) said.
 
As of last Saturday, 74 Legionnaires' disease cases had been reported. In 2019 and 2018, there were 105 cases each year.

 "Men, people aged over 50, smokers, alcoholics, and persons with weakened immunity are more susceptible to Legionnaires' disease," CHP spokesman said.

"Some situations may also increase the risk of infection including poor maintenance of water systems leading to stagnant water; 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," CHP spokesman added.

CHP spokesman said people might become infected when they breathe in contaminated droplets and mist generated by artificial water systems, or when handling garden soil, compost, and potting mixes.