The latest reports from the Scottish Government Resilience Room (SGoRR) on the Edinburgh Legionnaires’ disease outbreak show that there are now 39 confirmed cases and 49 suspected cases. This is an increase of two in the total number of confirmed cases and an increase of four suspected cases.

As at noon today, of those cases being treated in hospital, 14 are in intensive care and 26 are on general wards.

A total of 18 cases are being treated in the community, 22 have been discharged from hospital and one person has died.

Seven cases are being treated outwith the NHS Lothian area. The ages of the confirmed cases ranges between 33 and 76, with more males than females affected.

NHS 24 has received 718 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 and the HSE has today served a further two Improvement Notices on one of the companies responsible for one of the cooling towers which is being investigated. This does not mean that this tower has been identified as the source of the outbreak.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: “Today’s developments, which show a slight increase, are in line with expectations. With a 14 day incubation period, we would expect there to be fluctuations over the next week or so. It is reassuring however that all those involved are continuing to respond well to being treated. NHS Lothian services are coping with the demands and the City of Edinburgh Council and the Health and Safety Executive continue to make significant progress in their investigation to identify the source of this outbreak.”

Dr Duncan McCormick, Chair of the IMT and Consultant in Public Health Medicine at NHS Lothian, said: “The number of confirmed and suspected cases have again increased slightly in line with expectations. It is pleasing to see that 22 patients have now recovered and been discharged from hospital.

“Our GPs, out-of-hours services and NHS 24 have been doing an excellent job in reassuring the public and seeing those who have concerns or symptoms.

“The risk to the general public is low but anyone with concerns should contact their GP or NHS 24’s dedicated hotline on 0800 0858 531.”

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Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
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