The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 15) alerted members of the public about Legionnaires' Disease in view of reports of a recent outbreak in Phuket, Thailand.
According to recent information available from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, four tourists from Europe became ill in December 2006 after staying at the Phuket Grand Tropicana Hotel in Patong Beach, Phuket, Thailand since November 20.
A CHP spokesman said the situation is being monitored. The CHP is setting up a hotline 2125 1133 for public enquiries and health advice during office hours.
Meanwhile, the travel industry has also been alerted about the incident.
"We are maintaining liaison with overseas health authorities for more information on the latest situation," he said.
Legionellae are found in the natural environment and commonly proliferate in man-made water systems such as cold and hot water tanks, cooling towers, whirlpool and spas, water fountains, and respiratory therapy equipment. The disease is acquired by inhalation of contaminated airborne droplets and mist arising from these artificial water systems.
Legionnaires' Disease is caused by bacteria Legionellae. It principally manifested as pneumonia and presents with fever, unproductive cough, dyspnoea, malaise, headache, myalgia, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
The incubation period of the disease is from two to 10 days and it can be treated with antibiotics. There is no evidence that the disease is transmitted by person-to-person contact or by eating or drinking.
Members of the public who have stayed at the Phuket Grand Tropicana Hotel in Patong Beach since November 2006 and who developed the above symptoms subsequently are advised to seek medical advice promptly. They should discuss their recent travel history with their doctors. They can also call the CHP hotline for health advice.
Ends/Monday, January 15, 2007