The latest reports on the Edinburgh Legionnaires’ outbreak show an increase in two people confirmed with the disease. These cases have both been ill for some time. This means the total number of confirmed cases is now 44 and the total number of suspected cases remains unchanged at 47. The total number of overall cases is now 91 – up from 89 yesterday.
As these additional cases have been ill for a period of time, the Government says that expert advice remains that the infection control measures have been effective and that the outbreak is under control. At noon today, of those cases being treated in hospital, seven are in intensive care, down from a high of 15 last Sunday, and 18 are on general wards.
A total of 19 cases are being treated in the community, 38 have been discharged from hospital and two people have sadly died. Seven cases are being treated outwith the NHS Lothian area. The ages of the confirmed cases ranges between 33 and 85, with more males than females affected. NHS 24 has now received 945 calls to the dedicated helpline for Legionnaires’ disease.
The Health and Safety Executive and Edinburgh City Council are continuing their investigations into the possible source of the outbreak.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:
“I am pleased to see that the number being treated in intensive care has not increased. However, these people remain critically ill and NHS Lothian are continuing to provide expert, round the clock care. For anyone who is concerned about the outbreak, there is information on NHS Lothian’s website and NHS 24 dedicated legionnaires’ helpline can be reached on 0800 0858 531.”
Dr Duncan McCormick, Consultant in Public Health, 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 that 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.”
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