Legionnaires' outbreak now numbers 100 cases.

The latest reports on the Edinburgh Legionnaires’ outbreak show that one further person has been confirmed with the illness. The person has been unwell for some time, and is being treated in hospital.

The total number of overall cases is 100, 52 are confirmed cases and 48 are suspected cases.

Since the start of the outbreak 3 people have died.

Ten cases are being treated outwith the NHS Lothian area. The ages of the confirmed cases ranges between 32 and 85, with more males than females affected.

Investigations by Lothian and Borders Police and the Health and Safety Executive into the source and cause of the outbreak continue. 

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said “The latest case of Legionnaires’ has been ill for some time and has now been identified as a confirmed case…Over recent days, as expected, we have not seen as many cases of Legionnaires’ as we did at the peak of the outbreak, and this continues to offer reassurance that the outbreak remains under control…NHS Lothian are maintaining high quality care for patients who remain unwell”

Dr Richard Othieno, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, NHS Lothian, said “While this is the first new case in more than a week, it is not unexpected. As the outbreak draws to a close we can expect to see a small number of cases coming forward who have experienced mild symptoms initially and have sought medical attention later in their illness.”

Link: www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/07/health12072012