Legionnaires’ cases hit 100 in Lothians

HEALTH chiefs have confirmed another case of 
legionnaires’ disease was being treated – bringing the total number to 100.

The patient has been unwell for some time, and has been in hospital. It brings the total number of confirmed cases to 52, while the number of suspected cases is at 48. Investigations into the source and cause of the outbreak are continuing.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: “We have not seen as many cases of legionnaires’ as we did at the peak of the outbreak, and this continues to offer reassurance that the outbreak remains under control.”

Dr Richard Othieno, consultant in public health medicine at NHS Lothian, said: “While this is the first new case in more than a week, it is not unexpected. As the outbreak draws to a close we can expect to see a small number of cases coming forward.”