Three New Legionnaires' Disease Cases Reported; Public Urged to Maintain Water Systems and Follow Precautions

DH announces latest situation regarding Legionnaires' disease cases

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (October 19) 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 October 11 to October 17, the CHP recorded three community-acquiredLD cases, involving three males aged between 44 and 67. Details are as follows:

• a 44-year-old male with history of smoking living in Tai Po District;

• a59-year-old male with underlying illnessesliving in Kwai Tsing District; and

• a67-year-old male with underlying illnessesliving in Tai Po District.

The CHP is conducting epidemiological investigations to identify the potential sources of infection and high-risk exposure. An initial investigation revealed that the aforesaid cases are sporadic cases. No epidemiological linkages have been established between these cases and other confirmed cases previously recorded in Hong Kong.

As of October 17, 160 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 urges members 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 referrals 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 developed and promulgated the Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention tool to primary healthcare service providers to facilitate the early identification and management of at-risk drinkers. For information on alcohol-related harm, please visit the DH's Change for Health website.

The Centre for Health Protection. Photo source: reference image

HKTE organises career fair in London with Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland enterprises

Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) held the "Hong Kong • Global Talent & Career Showcase" (the showcase) in London, the United Kingdom (UK), on October 17 and 18 (London time) to introduce to local international talent the career prospects in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland so as to attract them to come to pursue their development. The showcase was supported by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London.

More than 50 enterprises and organisations from Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland offered over 200 job vacancies across sectors such as banking and finance, innovation and technology, engineering and construction, and professional services at the showcase. The showcase attracted more than 4 500 visits. It also featured a forum and workshops, at which government representatives and business leaders introduced Hong Kong's development advantages, talent landscape and market trends, and senior human resources representatives offered practical job-seeking tips and career planning insights.

In his welcome remarks, the Director of HKTE, Mr Felix Chan, said that the showcase enabled global talent to learn about career development in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, and exchange and match jobs directly with enterprises. He added that, in line with Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan, HKTE will continue to promote Hong Kong around the world and adopt a targeted approach to attract talent with the skills required for the development of our country and Hong Kong.

The Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Miss Pamela Lam, said in her keynote speech that Hong Kong's First Five-year Plan clearly states that Hong Kong will participate in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) into an international first-class bay area and a world class city cluster with global influence. Among these efforts, the Northern Metropolis is a main platform for Hong Kong to deeply engage in the development of the GBA, and to actively integrate into and serve the overall national development. It is also the driving force behind Hong Kong's future development. She added that the Northern Metropolis will foster the integrated development of education, technology, industry, talent and urban development, which is bound to generate immense opportunities. She encouraged local talent to pursue their careers in Hong Kong, establish a base in the city and tap into opportunities in the GBA.

The Director-General of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London, Miss Fiona Chau, said at the forum that Hong Kong is an ideal springboard for UK professionals, entrepreneurs and graduates to explore Asian markets. The showcase enabled participants to deepen their understanding of the job markets in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, and she hoped that they would seize the opportunity to pursue development in Hong Kong.

A representative from a participating enterprise said that the event enabled enterprises to connect with global talent directly and identify suitable candidates with international perspective and cross-cultural collaboration experience, thereby supporting business expansion.

In the coming year, HKTE will visit key regions including the Chinese Mainland, Asia Pacific, Europe and North America to conduct promotional activities. It will also continue to collaborate with major Chinese Mainland cities in attracting overseas talent, leveraging Hong Kong's strengths as an international talent hub and the country's gateway for talent, and building Hong Kong into an international hub for high-calibre talent.

Hong Kong Talent Engage held the "Hong Kong • Global Talent & Career Showcase" in London, the United Kingdom, on October 17 and 18 (London time) to introduce to local international talent the career prospects in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland so as to attract them to come to pursue their development. Photo shows an HR representative from a participating enterprises providing face-to-face CV consultation service to participants. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Talent Engage held the "Hong Kong • Global Talent & Career Showcase" in London, the United Kingdom, on October 17 and 18 (London time) to introduce to local international talent the career prospects in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland so as to attract them to come to pursue their development. Photo shows participants receiving free executive headshots upon completing designated missions. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Talent Engage held the "Hong Kong • Global Talent & Career Showcase" in London, the United Kingdom, on October 17 and 18 (London time) to introduce to local international talent the career prospects in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland so as to attract them to come to pursue their development. Photo shows representatives from participating enterprises interacting with talent and responding to enquiries. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) held the "Hong Kong • Global Talent & Career Showcase" (the showcase) in London, the United Kingdom, on October 17 and 18 (London time) to introduce to local international talent the career prospects in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland so as to attract them to come to pursue their development. Photo shows the Director of HKTE, Mr Felix Chan (first left), engaging with talent at the booth. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Talent Engage held the "Hong Kong • Global Talent & Career Showcase" (the showcase) in London, the United Kingdom, on October 17 and 18 (London time) to introduce to local international talent the career prospects in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland so as to attract them to come to pursue their development. Photo shows the showcase attracting global talent to participate. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) held the "Hong Kong • Global Talent & Career Showcase" (the showcase) in London, the United Kingdom, on October 17 and 18 (London time) to introduce to local international talent the career prospects in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland so as to attract them to come to pursue their development. Photo shows the Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Miss Pamela Lam (front row, fifth right); the Director of HKTE, Mr Felix Chan (front row, sixth left); the Director-General of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London, Miss Fiona Chau (front row, fifth left); with guests and participants at the showcase. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Talent Engage held the "Hong Kong • Global Talent & Career Showcase" (the showcase) in London, the United Kingdom, on October 17 and 18 (London time) to introduce to local international talent the career prospects in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland so as to attract them to come to pursue their development. Photo shows a panel discussion at the showcase. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) held the "Hong Kong • Global Talent & Career Showcase" in London, the United Kingdom, on October 17 and 18 (London time) to introduce to local international talent the career prospects in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland so as to attract them to come to pursue their development. Photo shows the Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Miss Pamela Lam (fourth left); the Director of HKTE, Mr Felix Chan (fourth right); the Director-General of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London, Miss Fiona Chau (third right); and other forum speakers. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Talent Engage held the "Hong Kong • Global Talent & Career Showcase" in London, the United Kingdom, on October 17 and 18 (London time) to introduce to local international talent the career prospects in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland so as to attract them to come to pursue their development. Photo shows the Director-General of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London, Miss Fiona Chau delivering her speech at the forum. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Talent Engage held the "Hong Kong • Global Talent & Career Showcase" in London, the United Kingdom, on October 17 and 18 (London time) to introduce to local international talent the career prospects in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland so as to attract them to come to pursue their development. Photo shows the Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Miss Pamela Lam, delivering her keynote speech. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) held the "Hong Kong • Global Talent & Career Showcase" (the showcase) in London, the United Kingdom, on October 17 and 18 (London time) to introduce to local international talent the career prospects in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland so as to attract them to come to pursue their development. Photo shows the Director of HKTE, Mr Felix Chan, introducing Hong Kong's unique advantages and development opportunities to participants at the showcase. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases