Third man dies in legionnaires’ outbreak

A MAN who was suspected of having legionnaires’ disease has died, the Scottish Government confirmed today.

It is the third fatality which has been linked to the outbreak, which has been concentrated in the south west of the city.

The man, who was in his 60s and was from south west Edinburgh, has not been named.

The number of confirmed cases of legionnaires’ disease now stands at 50 while there have been 49 suspected cases.

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.”