Health and Safety Executive: Legionnaires’ disease in Edinburgh
Legionnaires’ disease has affected seven men in Edinburgh and believed to be the cause of 13 other cases that are being investigated by the HSE. Currently the HSE is conducting health and safety audits to determine the source of the outbreak. Six men are in critical condition, all of them between 30 and 65 years of age. The seventh man was able to go home according to the NHS.
The first case of the disease was seen on the last Thursday of May. Symptoms can take their time to present and are often similar to a cold or flu. This is why the 13 other cases are being questioned as true Legionnaires’. The hospitals are looking for the legionella bacteria in these other patients to confirm.
The HSE has taken samples of cooling towers in the south west area of Edinburgh since the seven cases originated within that area. The results have yet to be posted, as it will take up to ten days before results are found in the cooling towers that are part of the water treatment system. Legionnaires’ is a dangerous health and safety issue whether it starts at a water treatment plant, hospital, or hotel. It usually presents with improper cleaning and water being present. A person that comes into contact with an affected water sample or area can contract the disease by getting the water in their system. This is why it can spread quickly if not caught. Depending on the results, prosecution may be necessary if there is a safety breach.
