Hong Kong doctors investigating after first death of the year from legionnaires’ disease
- The deceased was a 55-year-old man who lived in North Point
- The disease is caused by bacteria found in water and soil, and causes severe lung inflammation
A 55-year-old man with underlying illnesses has died from legionnaires’ disease, the first such death in the city this year, according to health authorities.
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) announced on Monday that the deceased lived at Parker’s Court on Fort Street in North Point.
Doctors are carrying out epidemiological investigations to identify potential sources of infection, high-risk exposure and any possible clusters, the CHP added.
As of February 2, there have been two cases of legionnaires’ disease reported in 2019.
In 2018 and 2017, there were 105 and 72 cases respectively. Twelve people died from the illness last year, while in 2017, there were seven deaths.
The illness, also known as legionellosis, is a severe form of pneumonia that particularly affects men, people over the age of 50, smokers, alcoholics and people with weakened immunity, the Centre for Health Protection warned. It is named after the first ever outbreak of the disease, at an American Legion convention in 1976.
It is caused by bacteria called legionella pneumophila, which is found in water and soil, and causes severe lung inflammation.
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“Some situations may also increase the risk of infection, including poor maintenance of water systems leading to stagnant water or in areas with old water systems, cooling towers or fountains,” the authority warned.
Bacteria that cause legionnaires’ disease grow well in warm water, ranging from 20 to 45 degrees Celsius. Water tanks, hot and cold water systems, cooling towers and fountains often play host.
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Infection can result from breathing in contaminated droplets or mist, or from handling garden soil, compost or potting mix, the centre added.
Late last year, three people with links to a Tseung Kwan O housing estate were diagnosed with legionnaires’ disease. The health scare has put residents in the area on alert against the potentially deadly bacteria that carry the disease.
