2005-09-23
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a case of leptospirosis involving a 39-year-old man.
A CHP spokesman said today (September 23) that the man took part in hikings for several times during the incubation period. The last time was a day trip to brooks in Tung Chung of Lantau Island on September 11. He developed fever, muscle pain and joint pain on September 17 and was admitted to United Christian Hospital on September 21. He is now in stable condition.
The CHP is contacting other members of the trip. Family members of the patient do not have any symptoms.
The spokesman said the risk of leptospirosis is usually related to occupational or recreational water exposures, such as water contaminated with urine of infected animals.
The incidence of leptospirosis is low in Hong Kong. There were one local case in 2001, two local cases in 2002, one imported case in 2003, one imported and five local cases in 2004, three imported cases and 2 local cases (including today’s case) so far this year.
End/Friday, September 23, 2005