Health Authorities Report Community-Acquired Legionnaires' Disease Case, Urge Public to Maintain Water Systems Properly

2026-01-26 17:00 Last Updated At：18:15

DH announces latest situation of Legionnaires' disease cases

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (January 26) reported the latest number of Legionnaires' disease (LD) cases, and reminded the public of the importance of using and maintaining properly designed man-made water systems, adding that susceptible groups should strictly observe relevant precautions.

From January 18 to 24, the CHP recorded one community-acquired LD case, involving a 77-year old female patient living in Wan Chai District who had underlying illnesses.

The CHP is conducting epidemiological investigations to identify potential sources of infection and high-risk exposure. Initial investigations revealed that this is a sporadic case. No epidemiological linkages have been established between thiscommunity-acquired case and other confirmed cases previously recorded in Hong Kong.

As of January 24, five LD cases had been recorded this year. In 2025 and 2024, there were 167 and 135 LD 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, whirlpool spas or hot water spring spas; and recent stays in hotels or ships.

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, whirlpool spas, water fountains, humidifiers and home respiratory devices 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:

Use sterile or boiled water for drinking, tooth brushing and mouth rinsing;

Avoid using humidifiers, or other mist- or aerosol-generating devices; and

If using humidifiers, or other mist- or aerosol-generating devices, fill the water tank with only sterile or cooled freshly boiled water, and not water directly from the tap. Also, clean and maintain humidifiers/devices regularly according to manufacturers' instructions. Never leave stagnant water in a humidifier/device. Empty the water tank, wipe all surfaces dry, and change the water daily.

The public should observe the health advice below:

Observe personal hygiene;

Do not smoke and avoid alcohol consumption;

Strainers in water taps and shower heads should be inspected, cleaned, descaled and disinfected regularly or at a frequency recommended by the manufacturer;

If a fresh-water plumbing system is properly maintained, it is not necessary to install domestic water filters. Use of water filters is not encouraged as clogging occurs easily, which can promote growth of micro-organisms. In case water filters are used, the pore size should be 0.2 micrometres (µm) or less and the filter needs to be changed periodically according to the manufacturer's recommendations;

Drain and clean water tanks of buildings at least quarterly;

Drain or purge for at least one minute infrequently used water outlets (e.g. water taps, shower heads and hot water outlets) and stagnant points of the pipework weekly or before use;

Seek and follow doctors' professional advice regarding the use and maintenance of home respiratory devices and use only sterile water (not distilled or tap water) to clean and fill the reservoir. Clean and maintain the device regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions. After cleaning/disinfection, rinse the device with sterile water, cooled freshly boiled water or water filtered with 0.2 µm filters. Never leave stagnant water in the device. Empty the water tank, keep all surfaces dry, and change the water daily; and

When handling garden soil, compost and potting mixes:

Wear gloves and a face mask;

Water gardens and compost gently using low pressure;

Open composted potting mixes slowly and make sure the opening is directed away from the face;

Wet the soil to reduce dust when potting plants; and

Avoid working in poorly ventilated places such as enclosed greenhouses.

The public may visit the CHP's LD page, the Code of Practice for Prevention of LD and the Housekeeping Guidelines for Cold and Hot Water Systems for Building Management of the Prevention of LD Committee, and the CHP's risk-based strategy for prevention and control of LD.

Additionally, as smokers and alcoholics are more susceptible to LD, the Government urgesmembers of the public to quit smoking and avoid drinking. Members of the public may call the DH Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline at 1833 183, which is answered by registered nurses who provide professional counselling and referral to a wide range of free smoking cessation services. The public may also visit the smoking cessation thematic website (www.livetobaccofree.hk) for more information on smoking cessation. The DH has also launched the Pilot Alcohol Cessation Counselling Service, which provides free counselling to people identified as having probable alcohol dependence, through a subvented non-governmental organisation, the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs). Information on the service has been uploaded to the DH's Change for Healthwebsite. Eligible persons who are interested can call the enquiry hotline of the TWGHs (2884 9876).

Asian Financial Forum 2023 Opens, Focusing on Global Cooperation and Financial Innovation Amid Economic Changes.

Asian Financial Forum assembles global financial and business leaders to co-create new horizons amid evolving landscape

The 19th Asian Financial Forum (AFF) opened today (January 26). Featuring the theme "Co-creating New Horizons Amid an Evolving Landscape", the forum gathered heavyweight speakers from around the world to exchange insights on the latest developments in the financial market and to explore ways to foster co-operation among economies to gain mutual benefits in times of change.

The AFF, co-organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), has been a flagship financial event in the region. The two-day forum is expected to attract over 3 600 participants from more than 60 countries or regions. This year's AFF has brought together over 150 distinguished speakers, including government officials, representatives from central banks and regulatory bodies, financial and business leaders, scholars and economists, to discuss key financial and economic trends, as well as emerging opportunities in various facets of the financial sector, including asset and wealth management, fintech, trade finance, gold and precious metals trading, green finance, insurance and risk management. This year's forum also includes significant upgrades to its content, introducing the new Global Business Summit. The summit explores how finance empowers businesses, focusing on Mainland economic opportunities and examining how Hong Kong leverages the synergy between finance and industries to support Mainland enterprises in "going global" while facilitating the "bringing in" of international businesses.

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, when addressing the opening session of the AFF this morning, highlighted Hong Kong's prowess as an international financial hub. He said, "Hong Kong's financial regulatory system is robust, and our financial market stands out for its deep liquidity, innovative products and world-class investor protection. We also boast a highly educated workforce, a welcoming environment for global talent and transparent financial regulations aligned with international standards."

He stressed that these strengths are widely recognised, citing the fact that Hong Kong ranked third, globally, and first in Asia, in the most recent Global Financial Centres Index, while placing third in the 2025 World Competitiveness Yearbook, up two places over the previous year. He added that the city will focus on three fronts to further boost its status as an international financial centre. First, Hong Kong will further reinforce its existing strengths, including those in the equity market, the bond market, and the asset management and wealth management sector. Second, Hong Kong will expedite the development of new growth areas, including building an international gold trading market and commodities trading ecosystem in Hong Kong. Third, international exchanges and co-operation will remain a priority for Hong Kong, including assisting companies interested in re-domiciling to Hong Kong.

In the opening session, the Deputy Governor of the People's Bank of China (PBOC), Mr Zou Lan said that China's financial market has developed rapidly in recent years, with its international influence and attractiveness being continuously enhanced. As Renminbi is more widely used in cross-boundary transactions, Hong Kong has emerged as the world's largest and most influential offshore Renminbi business hub. He said that as a next step to steadfastly support and further steadily advance the development of Hong Kong's offshore Renminbi market, the PBOC will focus on four key directions: first, to increase the scale of Renminbi funding arrangements to provide more ample liquidity support for Hong Kong's offshore market; second, to continue to advance financial market connectivity, enriching liquidity management and risk hedging tools for overseas investors; third, to expand the supply of offshore Renminbi sovereign bonds to enhance market liquidity; and fourth, to support the development of Hong Kong's gold market to strengthen the offshore Renminbi market function of Hong Kong.

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, delivered welcome remarks at the keynote luncheon. He said, "In a world where economies are reconfiguring value chains and seeking more resilient, diversified partnerships, Hong Kong stands out as a reliable, trusted, resourceful and well-positioned partner, bridging the Mainland and the world."

He emphasised that Hong Kong’s significance will only grow, pointing out that Hong Kong serves as a gateway for global investors to access China's innovation-driven opportunities. In the realms of finance, he highlighted two key specific areas: as the premier two-way international fundraising platform, welcoming both Mainland and international companies to list in Hong Kong to support their growth; and as the world’s leading offshore Renminbi (RMB) hub, with a wide range of RMB-denominated investment and risk management products for global investors.

He added that at a time of global fragmentation, Hong Kong will continue to remain open for business, and welcome partners from around the world in shaping the future of Asia – and the world at large – together.

The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, signed today a co-operation agreement with the Chairman of the Shanghai Gold Exchange, Mr Yu Wenjian, in the presence of Mr Lee; Mr Zou; Member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Shanghai Municipal Committee and Executive Vice Mayor of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government, Mr Wu Wei; and the Executive Deputy Director of the Office of the Financial Commission of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee, Mr Zhou Xiaoquan. The co-operation agreement marks a new milestone for deepening the co-operation between gold markets in the two places, such as establishing a high-level, collaborative governance structure for Hong Kong's gold central clearing system, opening new avenues for physical infrastructure synergy and market interconnectivity. Separately, a panel discussion on gold exchange was held in the afternoon, analysing the market developments of the global gold industry and Hong Kong's role.

Mr Hui also chaired a plenary session today themed "Fostering Co-operation for Shared Success". Mr Hui and the panellists shared their thoughts on how to strengthen communication and dialogue among economies and pursue shared development amid the evolving global political and economic landscape. Speakers joining this session included the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance of Slovenia, Mr Klemen Boštjani; the Minister of Treasury and Finance of Türkiye, Mr Mehmet imek; the President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Ms Zou Jiayi; and the Vice-President (East and Southeast Asia, and the Pacific) of Asian Development Bank, Mr Scott Morris.

Former President of the European Commission, former Prime Minister of Portugal, and Chairman of Advisory Board at Goldman Sachs International, Dr José Manuel Barroso, also delivered a keynote speech at the luncheon, sharing his views on the changes in global political and economic landscapes and their impact on international markets.

The 19th AFF will continue tomorrow (January 27). The inaugurl Global Business Summit, co-organised by the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, the HKTDC, and the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises, will be held. Focusing on how finance empowers businesses, the summit will cover the potential of high-growth industries such as artificial intelligence and technology, robotics, high-growth consumer products, and biopharmaceuticals and healthcare. It will also explore how Hong Kong can support Mainland enterprises going global, and the prospects of foreign enterprises entering the Mainland market. The summit will feature heavyweight speakers. Among them, Mr Chan; the Executive Vice Mayor of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government, Mr Wu Wei; and Vice Governor of the People's Government of Hunan Province Mr Wang Junshou will deliver speeches.

Business leader, investor and philanthropist Mr Paul Polman will be the speaker for the keynote luncheon tomorrow. The forum will also feature thematic workshops on topics such as artificial intelligence, sustainable banking, and family office.

The two-day AFF encompasses diverse events, including Global Spectrum series, Dialogues for Tomorrow series, and a breakfast panel. Investment opportunities are highlighted through the AFF Deal-making and a range of exhibition zones. Moreover, to showcase Hong Kong's various cultures and facilities, the forum offers experiential activities, sightseeing tours and dining discounts for international participants, encouraging them to make the most of their stay and experience the city's vitality.

Health Authorities Report Community-Acquired Legionnaires' Disease Case, Urge Public to Maintain Water Systems Properly

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Health Authorities Report Community-Acquired Legionnaires' Disease Case, Urge Public to Maintain Water Systems Properly

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