The latest reports on the Edinburgh Legionnaires’ outbreak show that there are no further confirmed or suspected cases of the disease. The total number of confirmed cases remains at 44 and the total number of suspected cases remains at 47, a total of 91 cases overall.
At noon yesterday, of those cases being treated in hospital, six are in intensive care – a reduction from seven yesterday – and 18 are on general wards.
A total of 19 cases are being treated in the community, 39 have been discharged from hospital – an increase from 38 on Monday – and two people have sadly died.
Seven cases are being treated outwith the NHS Lothian area. The ages of the confirmed cases ranges between 33 and 85, with more males than females affected.
The Health and Safety Executive and Edinburgh City Council are continuing their investigations into the possible source of the outbreak, with cooling towers in the Gorgie and Dalry areas coming in for particular attention.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: “I am pleased to see a reduction in the number of people in intensive care. I would like to thank the hardworking staff at NHS Lothian who are continuing to provide the very best treatment to the remaining six individuals who are critically ill. For anyone who is concerned about the outbreak, there is information on NHS Lothian’s website NHS 24 dedicated legionnaires’ helpline can be reached on 0800 0858 531.”
Dr Duncan McCormick, Consultant in Public Health, NHS Lothian, said: “We are encouraged to see that the numbers of patients with Legionnaire’s disease in Lothian remains unchanged. This is in line with our prediction that the numbers would reach a peak at the weekend and then begin to gradually decline. We will continue to monitor all of the services in NHS Lothian which are working extremely hard as part of this outbreak, but overall the numbers of people seeking treatment or with concerns continue to fall.”
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