The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health announced today (22 December) that between 14 and 20 this month, four cases of community-infected VA were recorded in Hong Kong, involving three men and one woman, aged between 66 and 83, all of whom had long-term illnesses living in Tuen Mun, Tung Chung, Ho Man Tin and Wan Chai. The DH is conducting epidemiological investigation on the above cases to identify possible sources of infection, high-risk exposure factors and whether there are clusters.

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) has released the latest figures of Legionnaires' disease cases, with four cases of Legionnaires' disease reported in the community between 14 and 20 this month:

1/ 66-year-old male patient with a long-term illness, a 2/ 68-year-old male patient living in Lien On Sin, Tai Lam Chung, Tuen Mun, a long-term patient, a female patient aged 3 living in Mantai House, Mantai Estate, Tung Chung, with a long-term illness, a male patient
aged 83/ 4 living in Wai Man House, Oi Man Estate
, Ho Man Tin, with a long-term condition,
living in Southeast Building, Wan Chai

According to the Centre for Health Protection, as of May 5, 20 cases of Legionnaires' disease have been reported this year, and the DH is conducting epidemiological investigations into the above cases to identify possible sources of infection, high-risk exposure factors and whether there have been cluster cases. According to DH, there were 23 and 2022 cases of Legionnaires' disease in 2021 and 80 respectively.

Legionella can be found in a variety of environments and is especially suitable for growing in warm water between 20 and 45 degrees Celsius. It can survive in different water source environments, such as water tanks, hot and cold water systems, cooling towers, jacuzzis, spray pools and household respiratory medical equipment. Patients have the risk of becoming infected by inhaling contaminated water spots and mist released by artificial water systems. It can also become infected when handling garden soil, compost and culture soil.

A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) said that men, people over 50 years old, smokers, alcoholics and people with weakened immune systems are all more susceptible to Legionnaires' disease. In addition, there are conditions that may increase the risk of illness, including poor maintenance of the water system resulting in stagnant water storage, the use of an old water supply system in the residence or the presence of a cooling tower or fountain pool nearby, the use of electric water heaters, jacuzzi or hot springs, and recent visits to hotels or boats.

The CFS reminds immunocompromised persons to drink sterile or boiled water, brush their teeth and rinse their mouths, and avoid using humidifiers or other equipment that can generate mist. Showers may also produce fine mist. If immunocompromised people use humidifiers or other equipment that can generate mist, sterile water or freshly cooled drinking water after boiling should be used, and water should not be injected directly from the tap into the water container.

Male patient in Sanatorium & Hospital infected with Legionnaires' disease, septic shock and pneumonia The source is unknown, living in Yuhai Peak, Tsuen Wan, 86-year-old male infected with Legionnaires' disease This year, a total of 5 cases were detected in the Tsuen Wan Qiansehui I fresh water cooling tower and Legionnaires' bacteria exceeded the standard, and disinfection measures must be taken