Third tourist dies from Legionnaire’s

Published on Saturday 4 February 2012 02:32

A THIRD British holidaymaker has died from contracting Legionnaire’s disease while on holiday in Spain.

The elderly man was originally thought to have died from heart problems after staying at the Diamante Beach Hotel in Calpe, near Benidorm, but his death was reclassified.

Two other elderly men have also died from the outbreak after staying at the hotel. The men, who have not been named, were aged between 73 and 78.

A spokeswoman for the Foreign Office confirmed a third death, saying: “We are aware of an outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease in Calpe. Local health authorities have confirmed the death of three British nationals as a result and are investigating.

“We are providing consular assistance to those affected by the outbreak and their families.”

Two of the men were found dead in their hotel rooms on 26 and 31 January and another man died in hospital on 1 February.

All three were on holiday with over-50s group Saga, which moved all clients to a new hotel after its expert conducted tests on water samples.