NHS Lothian narrows down source of deadly Legionella outbreak

THREE men are in intensive care and another is in a high dependency unit following an outbreak of deadly Legionnaires’ disease in the Capital.

The health board is trying to narrow down the source of the outbreak further after it was announced last night that three men are in intensive care and a fourth is on a high dependency unit after being confirmed as having the disease. Four other people are also suspected of having the illness.

It is understood that Edinburgh council’s environmental health department are searching around 10 commercial buildings in the area.

Legionella bacteria is commonly found in sources of water, such as rivers and lakes, and can end up in artificial water supply systems, including air conditioning systems, water services and cooling towers. Symptoms include mild headaches, muscle pain, fever, a persistent cough and sometimes vomiting and diarrhoea.

About half of those with Legionnaires’ disease will also experience changes to their mental state, such as confusion.