Siu Lam Hospital’s reply on a Legionella infection case

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
     
     In response to media enquiries regarding a Legionella infection case, the spokesperson for Siu Lam Hospital (SLH) has the following reply today (July 24):
      
     A 70-year-old male patient who had stayed in a ward for severe intellectual disability at SLH was confirmed with Legionnaires' Disease. The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) visited the concerned ward and collected water samples today. The source of infection for the patient is still undergoing investigation. The patient has been transferred to Tuen Mun Hospital for treatment and is in stable condition.
          
     The hospital has already implemented a series of precautionary and infection control improvement measures, including:
      
     1. Suspending the use of related basin faucets;
     2. Installing bacterial filters on basin faucets and shower heads;
     3. Arranging cleansing and disinfection at water tanks; and
     4. After communicating with the CHP, the hospital will continue to implement clinical surveillance for all patients in the ward.
      
     The case has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office according to established guidelines. In addition to the above precautionary and improvement measures, the hospital has reminded all healthcare staff to be vigilant and continue to closely monitor the situation of the ward. The hospital will co-operate with the CHP in the investigation of the source of infection.