DH announces latest Legionnaires' disease case
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (February 23) 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 February 15 to 21, the CHP recorded one community-acquired LD case, involving a 46-year-old female patient who had underlying illnesses. She lives in Yuen Long District.
The CHP is conducting epidemiological investigations to identify the potential source of infection and high-risk exposure. Initial investigation revealed that this is a sporadic case. No epidemiological linkages have been established between this case and other confirmed cases previously recorded in Hong Kong.
As of February 21, 10 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).
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP), Photo source: reference image
Court of Appeal delivers judgement on appeals of conspiracy to commit subversion case
The Court of Appeal of the High Court today (February 23) delivered its judgment on the appeals in a case of "conspiracy to commit subversion", dismissing the appeals against conviction or sentence lodged by 12 defendants. Furthermore, with regard to one defendant against whom the evidence was insufficient for the trial court to be sure of his participation in the conspiracy offence, the Court of Appeal upheld the trial court's verdict.
The Court of Appeal, in its judgment on the appeals in this case, rejected each of the grounds of appeal against conviction or sentence raised by the respective defendants. With regard to the appeals against conviction, the Court of Appeal noted that the relevant provisions of the Basic Law establish an executive-led system headed by the Chief Executive (CE), recognises that the CE, the Government, the Legislative Council (LegCo), and the Judiciary have different constitutional roles. Interaction and co-ordination between them is inevitable in areas where both the executive and legislative authority are required. As seen from the budgetary process, examining the merits of a budget by reference to fiscal considerations to see if it warrants approval must form the core of the LegCo's powers and functions under Article 73(2) of the Basic Law. The LegCo must exercise its powers and functions in accordance with, and not in contravention of, the provisions of the Basic Law. In particular, it cannot act in contravention of the fundamental provisions of the Basic Law which establish the constitutional order in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), and the LegCo members cannot contravene the constitutional duty to uphold the constitutional order in the HKSAR under the LegCo Oath. In this case, as envisaged and publicised by the first defendant Tai Yiu-ting and known to any participant who chose to join it, the "Project 35+" was a "constitutional mass destruction weapon" aiming to compel the CE to resign, to paralyse the Government and to force the Central People's Government to declare an end to the "one country, two systems" policy, which constituted an unlawful means of subverting the constitutional order of the HKSAR. Pursuing that aim in the pretext of examining budgets necessarily amounted to a breach of a LegCo member's duty to uphold the constitutional order in the HKSAR. The defendants agreed to join the "Project 35+" and participate in the relevant course of conduct with the intent to achieve the subversive consequences, and therefore constituted the offence of "conspiracy to commit subversion".
The Court of Appeal also considered that the trial court was entitled to make the impugned findings based on the totality of the evidence adduced. With all the evidence considered in context, the conclusions that each defendant was a party to the conspiracy could not be faulted. The Court of Appeal further held that there was no unfairness in the conduct of the trial proceedings.
Regarding the appeals against sentence, the Court of Appeal pointed out that the trial court's categorisation of all defendants who ran for the "primary election" as "actively participants" could not be faulted. The goal of the "Project 35+" was to cause havoc to the constitutional order in the HKSAR, by getting the concerned defendants elected. The Court of Appeal further pointed out that the defendants exploited the system in such a way intending to bring about potentially devastating consequences to the HKSAR. Therefore, "ignorance of the law" was not a valid mitigating factor in this case. All the discounts that had been given by the trial court under this head must be regarded as entirely gratuitous.
A spokesman for the HKSAR government said, "45 defendants have been convicted in this case. The trial court pointed out clearly in its reasons for verdict handed down earlier that by March and April 2020, the ultimate aim and purpose of the so-called 'Project 35+' had been very clear and made known to the public, which was to undermine, destroy or overthrow the existing political system and structure of the HKSAR established under the Basic Law and the 'one country, two systems' principle. The court pointed out that the defendants, led by Tai Yiu-ting, have invested a great deal of time and money in premeditating and planning the so-called 'primary election'. The other defendants all participated actively and made every effort to ensure the success of the 'Project 35+'. Had the plan been fully implemented, it would have given rise to profoundly far-reaching negative consequences, the severity of which would have been no less than the overthrow of the HKSAR Government."
"During the trial, it was revealed that the persons concerned put forward the '10 Steps to mutual destruction' which would bring Hong Kong society to a standstill through large-scale street riots and other means at the same time. Coupled with international political and economic sanctions, 'mutual destruction' would be achieved, causing suffering to members of the public. The severity of the crime in this case was supported by irrefutable evidence. The convicted individuals deserved their punishment. The Court of Appeal's dismissal of relevant appeals against conviction and sentence demonstrates that any person who intends to commit subversion and endanger national security will be punished in accordance with the law."
"As for the decision to uphold the verdict of a defendant against whom the evidence was insufficient for the trial court to be sure of his participation in the conspiracy, the Department of Justice will study the judgment carefully and consider whether to lodge an appeal."
The spokesman pointed out, "Hong Kong is a society underpinned by the rule of law. The Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) clearly stipulate that the principle of the rule of law shall be adhered to in preventing, suppressing and imposing punishment for offences endangering national security. The court’s judgment in this appeal case shows that the Judiciary of the HKSAR exercises judicial power independently in accordance with the law, and everyone charged with a criminal offence will receive a fair trial strictly in accordance with laws applicable and as protected by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights. The courts decide cases strictly in accordance with the evidence and all applicable laws. Cases will never be handled any differently owing to the profession, political beliefs or backgrounds of the persons involved. The prosecution has the burden to prove beyond reasonable doubt the commission of an offence before a defendant may be convicted by the court."
"Safeguarding national security is the inherent responsibility of every citizen. The HKSAR Government is resolutely determined to crack down on acts and activities that endanger national safety, ensuring that laws are observed and strictly enforced, so as to bring offenders to account. The HKSAR Government will, as always, resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the HKNSL, the SNSO and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law, while upholding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people in accordance with the law, to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the principle of 'one country, two systems'."
Source: AI-found images
