Resident infected with Legionella during trip to Zhongshan

An 89-year-old resident was reported to have contracted Legionnaires’ disease during a trip to Zhongshan, according to the Health Bureau (SSM).

The SSM said that it was notified on Monday (Feb. 23) by Kiang Wu Hospital of a Legionella infection case, the first recorded in Macau this year.

According to the SSM, the patient is an 89-year-old Macau resident with a history of chronic diseases, smoking, and a chronic cough.

The SSM said that the man traveled to Zhongshan earlier this month and that on Feb. 13, he developed a worsening cough and hoarseness but no fever.

After returning to Macau on Feb. 20, and due to the persistence of symptoms, he visited Kiang Wu Hospital, where a chest X-ray revealed a lung infection. The following day, a urine test was positive for Legionella pneumophila antigen.

The patient is currently hospitalized at Kiang Wu Hospital for treatment and requires oxygen therapy through bilateral nasal cannula.

Legionella is a bacterium that lives in natural aquatic environments, such as the surfaces of lakes, rivers, and hot springs, as well as in soil and potting mix. It can proliferate rapidly in warm water and more humid, warmer places, especially when temperatures range from 20 to 45 degrees Celsius.

It can also be found in artificial aquatic systems, such as central air-conditioning cooling towers, hot tubs, fountains, and home medical devices, particularly in the presence of biofilm and sediment.

A person can become infected by inhaling contaminated mist released from artificial aquatic systems. The incubation period is two to 10 days.

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The disease can be treated with antibiotic therapy.