Update on cases of Legionnaires' disease
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 5) 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 July 28 to August 3, the CHP recorded one imported LD case and one community-acquired LD case:
Epidemiological investigations are ongoing to identify potential sources of infection, high-risk exposure and clusters, if any.
Furthermore, the CHP is investigating a case of LD in Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong. The male patient, aged 82 with underlying illnesses, was admitted to Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong on July 8 after receiving a surgery at Kwong Wah Hospital on June 27. He presented with lethargy and cough on July 26, and he developed a fever starting July 28. He was transferred to Kwong Wah Hospital for further management on July 30 due to persistent fever and deteriorated condition. His clinical diagnosis was pneumonia and he is currently in stable condition.
His sputum specimen tested positive for Legionella species upon laboratory testing. Initial enquiries revealed that the patient stayed at Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong without any travel history during the incubation period.
"Epidemiological investigations with Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong are ongoing to identify potential sources of infection, high-risk exposure and clusters, if any. Relevant water samples and environmental swabs were collected from potential sources for laboratory testing," a spokesman for the CHP said.
Tracing of contacts including staff and in-patients in the relevant ward is ongoing, and those identified will be put under medical surveillance. The CHP has provided health advice against LD to staff and in-patients, including those with weakened immunity who should use sterile or boiled water for drinking, tooth brushing and mouth rinsing. An investigation is ongoing.
As of August 3, 62 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.
Source: AI-generated images
"Let's T.A.L.K. and Walk with Kids" stakeholder engagement event to promote positive parenting and strengthen family bonding held today
The Commission on Children (CoC), the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) and the Social Welfare Department today (September 14) jointly held the"Let's T.A.L.K. and Walk with Kids" stakeholder engagement and Mid-Autumn Festival celebration event under the theme of positive parenting and family bonding. Through a variety of parent-child interactive games, stress relief activities and sharing sessions, the event aimed at promoting positive parenting, enhancing family bonding and celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Over 80 participants from around 30 families with children participating in the Child Development Fund
and their family members attended the event. The Secretary for Labour and Welfare and Vice-chairperson of the CoC, Mr Chris Sun, together with ex-officio member of the CoC, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Siu Chak-yee, and the Director of Social Welfare, Miss Charmaine Lee, joined the event to cheer on the parents and children.
Mr Sun said that a harmonious family relationship is conducive to the healthy development of children, both physically and mentally. He encouraged parents to spend more time playing with their children and share quality parent-child moments together. Mr Siu hoped that the event, with a series of diverse and challenging parent-child interactive games, would provide participants with special family time together, and could promote positive and healthy family relationships. Miss Lee said that families are the cornerstone of society and the backbone of child protection. She encouraged families to develop stronger familial bonds and enhanced care so that a loving and harmonious environment can be built for the children.
As part of the "Walk with Kids" thematic campaign of the CoC, the stakeholder engagement event was conducted in the format of a day camp at the Junior Police Call Permanent Activity Centre and Integrated Youth Training Camp at Pat Heung. Non-official members of the CoC moderated the group sharing sessions, listening to parents sharing parenting experiences, and providing suggestions for practising positive parenting and enhancing family relationships. Under the guidance of the clinical psychologist from the HKPF, parents also learned and shared relaxation techniques with an aim to assist them in facing parenting challenges with a positive mindset amid their busy daily lives. Apart from a series of parent-child adventure and experiential activities, there was a lantern-making workshop to enhance interaction and collaboration between parents and their children, riding on the vibe of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
"Let's T.A.L.K. and Walk with Kids" stakeholder engagement event to promote positive parenting and strengthen family bonding held today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
"Let's T.A.L.K. and Walk with Kids" stakeholder engagement event to promote positive parenting and strengthen family bonding held today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
"Let's T.A.L.K. and Walk with Kids" stakeholder engagement event to promote positive parenting and strengthen family bonding held today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
"Let's T.A.L.K. and Walk with Kids" stakeholder engagement event to promote positive parenting and strengthen family bonding held today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
"Let's T.A.L.K. and Walk with Kids" stakeholder engagement event to promote positive parenting and strengthen family bonding held today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
"Let's T.A.L.K. and Walk with Kids" stakeholder engagement event to promote positive parenting and strengthen family bonding held today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
"Let's T.A.L.K. and Walk with Kids" stakeholder engagement event to promote positive parenting and strengthen family bonding held today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
"Let's T.A.L.K. and Walk with Kids" stakeholder engagement event to promote positive parenting and strengthen family bonding held today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
