The Health Bureau (SSM) said in a statement yesterday that Legionnaires’ disease is not spread from person to person or through food and drink, and that the risk of transmission in hospitals is low, following a 71-year-old local man’s diagnosis of having Legionnaires’ disease on February 27, after his stay at the private Kiang Wu Hospital between February 7 and 18.
Kiang Wu Hospital was quoted by the SSM statement as saying that medical surveillance of inpatients and staff had been initiated and there was no indication of further cases or intra-hospital transmission so far, the statement said, adding that the hospital has suspended the use of showers by patients to reduce the possibility of inhaling bacteria in the fine spray, and will deep-clean and disinfect the hospital’s water supply system.
Leong Iek Hou, who heads the Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Division of the Health Bureau, said during a local media interview yesterday that Kiang Wu Hospital was closely monitoring the health condition of its patients and providing them with appropriate treatment.
Leong added that Legionnaires’ Disease is mainly caused by inhalation of contaminated mist from artificial water systems that is particularly dangerous to high-risk groups such as men, the elderly, smokers or alcoholics, especially those with low immunity, adding that exposure to Legionella bacteria may cause illness, which may lead to pneumonia or even death.
Leong called on members of the public to pay special attention to strengthening their resistance in daily life, using properly designed water supply systems, as well as ensuring regular maintenance of domestic water filters and replacement of shower heads. She also urged the public to pay special attention to the maintenance of their water supply systems.
According to a statement, Legionnaires’ disease, also known as legionellosis, is a form of atypical pneumonia caused by any type of Legionella bacteria, with signs and symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle pain, and headache, while nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea may also occur.
Image courtesy of California Department of Public Health
