A 61-year-old local male, with a history of chronic illness, who was in stable condition yesterday, has tested positive for Legionnaires’ disease, the Health Bureau (SSM) announced in a statement last night.
The statement did not mention how many cases of Legionnaires’ disease Macau have so far been recorded this year.
Before the case was announced yesterday, the Health Bureau had previously announced eight cases of Legionnaires’ disease this year. This indicates that Macau has so far recorded nine cases this year.
The statement noted that the patient is in stable condition and remains hospitalised at the public Conde de São Januário Hospital Centre (CHCSJ).
According to the statement, the patient travelled to the Chinese mainland to visit relatives from May 27 to June 4. After returning to Macau, he developed a fever and joint pain on Monday and sought medical attention at CHCSJ, where he was admitted for treatment. A chest X ray on Tuesday revealed bilateral pneumonia, and a respiratory sample tested positive for Legionella pneumophila* on Wednesday, resulting in a diagnosis of Legionnaires’ disease.
As of yesterday, his travel companions were asymptomatic.
The Health Bureau will dispatch officials to collect environmental samples from the patient’s home and surrounding areas, aiming to further identify the source of infection. It will also implement targeted improvement measures based on the findings, the statement said.
The statement noted that people can be infected with Legionnaires’ disease after inhaling mist contaminated with Legionella bacteria released by artificial water systems such as central air-conditioning systems’ cooling towers, jacuzzis, fountains, and household respiratory medical devices.
The statement underlined that people normally will not be infected with the disease after drinking water contaminated with the bacteria.
The statement noted that while anyone may develop Legionnaires’ disease, certain groups of individuals are more susceptible to the disease, including males, senior citizens, smokers, alcoholics, and those with weakened immune systems, particularly those with chronic illnesses, such as cancer, diabetes, chronic lung or kidney diseases, and those taking steroids or drugs that suppress body immunity.
The statement noted that antibiotics are effective in treating Legionnaires’ disease provided that they are taken early after the onset of the illness.
*Legionella pneumophila is a type of bacteria that can cause a serious lung infection known as Legionnaires’ disease. People usually catch it by breathing in tiny water droplets (mist) from contaminated sources like hot tubs, air conditioning systems, or plumbing, not from person-to-person contact. – DeepSeek
Image courtesy of Hydrosense
