DH announces latest situation regarding Legionnaires' disease case
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (March 16) 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 March 8 to 14, the CHP recorded one community-acquired LD case, involving a 61-year-old male patient with underlying illnesses living in Kwun Tong District.
The CHP is conducting epidemiological investigations to identify the potential source of infection and high-risk exposure. An 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 March 14, 14 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'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.
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'sChange for Healthwebsite. Eligible persons who are interested can call the enquiry hotline of the TWGHs (2884 9876).
Source: AI-found images
Entries invited for 2025-26 Hong Kong Awards for Industries
The 2025-26 Hong Kong Awards for Industries (HKAI) is open for entries from today (March 16). Hong Kong companies in the manufacturing and services sectors are invited to join. The closing date is June 5.
Fully supported by the Government, the HKAI aims to recognise the outstanding achievements of Hong Kong enterprises in the manufacturing and services industries in enhancing their competitiveness in various aspects, and in their endeavours towards high-value-added activities. The HKAI also helps promote Hong Kong brands.
The 2025-26 HKAI comprises five categories, each run by a respective organiser:
Category |
Organiser |
Consumer Product Design |
Federation of Hong Kong Industries |
Equipment and Machinery Design |
The Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong |
Customer Service |
Hong Kong Retail Management Association |
Innovation and Creativity |
Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce |
Upgrading and Transformation |
Hong Kong Young Industrialists Council |
Adjudication in each award category will be carried out by a preliminary judging panel arranged by the relevant organiser. A final judging panel will be convened to decide the winners. One grand award will be presented to the most outstanding entry in each category. Other deserving entries will be presented with an award or a certificate of merit. All award winners are entitled to display the official logo of the HKAI and receive the HKAI trophy or certificate as a permanent memento of their achievement.
Entry forms and brochures are now available from the respective organisers. They can also be downloaded from the HKAI website at www.hkindustryaward.org.
The HKAI was launched in 2005 by merging the former Hong Kong Awards for Industry and the former Hong Kong Awards for Services, established in 1989 and 1997 respectively. Over the years, the HKAI has recognised and commended the excellent performance of about 1 260 companies.
For further information, please visit the HKAI website at www.hkindustryaward.org, or contact the respective organisers (contact details available on the website) or the Secretariat of the Organising Committee of the HKAI at hkai@tid.gov.hk.
Source: AI-found images
