The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) under the Department of Health today (May 26) announced the latest update on Legionnaires’ disease (LD) cases. The CHP reminded the public about the importance of properly using and maintaining man-made water systems. People at higher risk should take extra care to follow health precautions.
Between May 18 and 24, CHP recorded one new community-acquired LD case. The patient is an 84-year-old man with existing health issues who lives in Kowloon City District.
The CHP is investigating to find possible infection sources, high-risk exposures, or any clusters.
So far this year, 50 LD cases have been reported. In comparison, there were 135 cases in 2024 and 121 cases in 2023.
Certain groups are more vulnerable to LD. These include men, people over 50 years old, smokers, alcohol users, and those with weakened immune systems. Some conditions can increase the risk of infection. These include poorly maintained water systems, living in areas with old plumbing or cooling towers, using electric water heaters, whirlpools, spas, hot spring spas, or recent stays in hotels or ships.
Legionella bacteria thrive in warm water between 20 and 45 degrees Celsius. They are found in water tanks, hot and cold water pipes, cooling towers, whirlpools, spas, fountains, and some home breathing devices. People can catch LD by inhaling droplets or mist from contaminated water systems. Handling garden soil, compost, or potting mixes can also pose a risk.
People with weak immune systems should:
- Use sterile or boiled water for drinking, brushing teeth, and rinsing mouths.
- Avoid using humidifiers or other devices that produce mist or aerosols.
- If using such devices, only fill them with sterile or freshly boiled and cooled water. Clean and maintain devices regularly as per manufacturer instructions. Never leave water standing in these devices; empty and dry them daily.
The general public should follow these health tips:
- Maintain good personal hygiene.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol.
- Regularly clean and disinfect strainers in water taps and shower heads, following the manufacturer’s schedule.
- Properly maintained plumbing does not require domestic water filters. Filters can clog and promote bacteria growth. If used, filters should have a pore size of 0.2 micrometers and be changed as recommended.
- Clean and drain building water tanks at least every three months.
- Flush rarely used water outlets weekly or before use to prevent stagnation.
- Follow medical advice on the use and cleaning of home respiratory devices. Use only sterile water to clean and refill them. Clean and dry the devices regularly.
- When handling garden soil or compost, wear gloves and masks. Water plants gently to reduce dust. Open compost slowly and away from your face. Work in well-ventilated areas and avoid enclosed greenhouses.
For more information, the public can visit the CHP’s Legionnaires’ disease webpage, the Code of Practice for Prevention of LD, and related housekeeping guidelines.
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