15.06.12
Second Legionnaire’s death in Edinburgh
A second person has died from Legionnaire’s disease in the Edinburgh outbreak. The man was in his 40s and had significant pre-existing underlying health conditions. He was being treated at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.
The number of cases is at 40 confirmed and 48 suspected, with two deaths from the disease.
The Health and Safety Executive is continuing its investigations into the cause of the outbreak, believed to be related to contaminated water towers in the south-west of the city.
Yesterday health officials said the worst of the outbreak appeared to be over.
Health secretary Nicola Sturgeon said last night: “My sincere condolences go to the family and friends of the patient who passed away in Edinburghtonight in a case linked to the outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in the city. My thoughts are with them at this very difficult time.
“Despite this sad and tragic development, it remains the case that we believe the outbreak to have peaked. However, we continue to monitor the situation carefully.”
Dr Duncan McCormick, chairman of the incident management team and consultant in public health medicine at NHS Lothian, said: “Whilst we realised that further deaths were a possibility this additional death is extremely sad and I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family of the patient.”
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