December 28, 2011

Centre for Health Protection Controller Dr Thomas Tsang confirmed today Legionella bacteria, which causes Legionnaires’ disease, has been found in water samples taken from the new Central Government Offices East Wing in Tamar.
 
Testing was conducted after a 67-year-old man working on the 11th floor came down with the illness.
 
Speaking to the media today on the initial test results, Dr Tsang said the bacteria was found in water samples taken from the washbasin in the patient’s private office.
 
Water samples taken from the building’s water tank have tested negative.
 
The centre could not find the bacteria in the water nor environment samples taken from the patient’s home.
 
Dr Tsang emphasised the centre has not yet confirmed whether the bacteria found in the sample directly caused the patient’s sickness.
 
Samples will be collected from the 10th to 15th floors of the Tamar building as they share the same water supply system.
 
The centre has suggested installing special water filters and antiseptic dispensers in the building.
 
Staff working at Tamar can call 2125 1122 for more information on the disease.