The latest reports on the Edinburgh Legionnaires’outbreak show that a man suspected of having the disease has died. The individual, a man in his 60s from south west Edinburgh, had been unwell for a period of time, and is considered to be part of the original outbreak.
The total number of confirmed cases remains at 50 and the number of suspected cases is now 49. The total number of overall cases is 99.
At noon yesterday, of those cases being treated in hospital, there are three patients in intensive care and six on general wards. A total of 20 cases are being treated in the community, 57 have been discharged from hospital and now three people in total have sadly 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 into the source and cause of the outbreak continue. Lothian and Borders Police and the Health and Safety Executive are jointly investigating the circumstances of the deaths under the direction of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) Health and Safety Division.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: “My sincere condolences go to the family and friends of the patient who has passed away and my thoughts are with them at this very difficult time. Despite this sad and tragic news, is important to stress that strong evidence still suggests that all cases are associated with the suspected period of exposure and that the outbreak has peaked. I repeat the message that anyone in the affected areas suffering from symptoms since the outbreak began should contact their GP or the NHS 24. NHS Lothian are maintaining high quality care for patients who remain unwell and work to identify and deal with the source of the outbreak continues.”
Dr Christine Evans, Consultant in Public Health Medicine said: “I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family of the patient who has died. We continue to see a small number of cases or suspected cases coming forward. I would like to reassure the public that this is in line with expectations. All of these patients have been ill for some time and have links to the south west of Edinburgh.”
For anyone who is concerned about the outbreak, there is information on NHS Lothian’s website or you can contact NHS 24 dedicated legionnaires’ helpline on 0800 0858 531.
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