Legionnaires’ outbreak: Two new cases confirmed in Edinburgh and Lothians

Two new cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been confirmed - taking the total number of cases to 91.

Health chiefs say both patients had been ill for some time and were originally among those suspected of having the disease.

Experts believe the outbreak, which has already claimed the lives of two men, is under control. Seven people remain in intensive care with the illness – eight fewer than a week ago.

Dr Duncan McCormick, consultant in public health at NHS Lothian, said: “The number of confirmed cases of Legionnaire’s disease in Lothian has risen by two in the last 24 hours.

“This does not mean these new patients have been newly infected with Legionnaire’s disease but are still part of the original outbreak and tie in with the expected incubation period of between two and 14 days.

“We will continue to monitor services and, overall, the numbers of people seeking treatment or with concerns has fallen in recent days.”

NHS 24 says its helpline set up to answer public calls on the latest outbreak had received almost 1,000 calls.

Five people have already started legal action over the outbreak and could seek compensation from authorities or any company found to have been negligent.

Investigators believe that the source of the disease is at one or more cooling towers on six sites in Edinburgh.