The Centre for Health Protection has confirmed the year's second case of leptospirosis involving a 19-year-old man.

He travelled to Southeast Asian countries with friends and returned to Hong Kong on July 2. He developed fever, chills, muscle pain and headache on July 6 and was admitted to Ruttonjee Hospital on July 10. He recovered and was discharged on July 14.

His travel companions did not show any symptoms. Further investigation by the centre is continuing.

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria found in the waste of infected animals like rodents, cattle, pigs, horses and dogs. Most human infections occur through skin abrasions, open wounds or mucous membranes, and occasionally through ingestion or inhalation.

Overseas outbreaks are usually related to occupational or recreational water exposure, such as water contaminated with the urine of infected animals.