NHS’s worry over Legionnaires’ outbreak

THREE cases of Legionnaires’ Disease have been confirmed by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Of the three, the health authority said that two had been discharged after recovering, while the third remains in a stable condition.

Health chiefs say that while small occurences of Legionnaires’ crop up every year, there was some concern over the closeness of these diagnoses.

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Dr Gillian Penrice, NHSGGC consultant in public health, said: “There are always a small number of cases of LD in the community every year, however this rise in the number of cases so close together is unusual.

“As a result we have begun an investigation to examine if there is any potential common source or whether these cases are coincidental, albeit unusual.

“We are working closely with our partners in local authorities, the Health and Safety Executive and Health Protection Scotland.

“It is important to remember that Legionella cannot be spread from person to person. It is an uncommon bacterial infection.

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“Legionella bacteria is sometimes found in water and can be spread through aerosols produced from water, such as air conditioning and showers and it cannot be contracted by drinking contaminated water.

“The symptoms and signs of Legionnaires’ Disease include headache, fever, dry cough, breathing difficulties, stomach pains and diarrhoea. I would like to advise anyone currently with these symptoms to contact NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24 or their own GP.”