An 81-year-old local man was diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease and was in a critical condition after being admitted to the public Conde de São Januário Hospital Centre, according to a statement issued by the Health Bureau (SSM) yesterday.
The patient, who has a history of chronic illness, developed symptoms including a cough, phlegm, chest pain, and swelling in both legs roughly a month ago and sought medical treatment in the Chinese mainland.
He returned to Macau on Monday. As his symptoms worsened and he developed breathing difficulties, he sought treatment at a public health centre on Wednesday morning. He was subsequently transferred to the public hospital for further treatment, where a chest X-ray revealed pneumonia in both lungs.
The patient tested positive for Legionella pneumophila yesterday and was diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease. He required ventilator support and remained in a critical condition, the statement said. His cohabiting family members were currently displaying no symptoms.
Legionnaires’ disease is an infectious illness caused by Legionella bacteria, which can multiply rapidly in warm water and humid environments. People are commonly infected by inhaling contaminated droplets or mist released from artificial water systems, such as cooling towers, spa pools, and fountains.
The disease has an incubation period of two to ten days and is not transmitted from person to person or through food, the bureau noted. Men, elderly people, smokers, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk.
The SSM advised members of the public to properly maintain water systems and household devices that produce mist, and to use sterile or freshly boiled and cooled water in respiratory medical equipment.
Image courtesy of University of Nevada, Las Vegas
