The Health Bureau (SSM) received a report yesterday from the public Conde de S. Januário Hospital Centre (CHCSJ) that a 75-year-old local male has been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease (aka Legionellosis), marking the sixth case reported in Macau this year, according to an SSM statement yesterday.
The statement pointed out that the patient resides long-term in the Chinese mainland and has a history of multiple chronic illnesses, who visited the public Conde de S. Januário Hospital Centre on November 21 due to physical discomfort.
On Thursday, he developed symptoms including high fever, cough, and shortness of breath, the statement added.
According to yesterday’s laboratory tests, his urine sample was positive for Legionella pneumophila, leading to a diagnosis of Legionnaires’ disease.
As of yesterday’s statement, the patient was in a generally stable condition and remained hospitalised for treatment.
The statement pointed out that Legionellosis, with an incubation period of between two and 10 days, is an infectious disease caused by Legionella bacteria thriving in warm water between 20 and 45 degrees Celsius and in warm and moist places, such as artificial water systems including massage pools, fountains, and household respiratory medical equipment.
The statement underlined that males, senior citizens, smokers, drinkers and those with weakened immune systems, especially those with chronic medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, chronic lung or kidney disease, and patients receiving steroids or other immunosuppressive drugs are at increased risk of catching the disease.
