Legionnaires' Disease in UK (Edinburgh)

An outbreak of Legionnaires' disease is ongoing in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh. As of 11 June, the latest report from the Scottish Government Resilience Room (SGoRR) showed that there are 39 confirmed cases and 49 suspected cases. This was an increase of two on the previous day’s total number of confirmed cases and an increase of four suspected cases.

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 having been discharged from hospital. One person has died. Seven cases linked to the outbreak 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.

The Health and Safety Executive and Edinburgh City Council are continuing their investigations into the possible source of the outbreak.

• Legionella Factsheet - external weblink

Advice for Travellers

The risk to the general public is considered to be low, however, anyone with concerns is advised to contact their GP or NHS 24’s dedicated hotline on 0800 0858 531.

Travellers to the area should however be aware of this recent incident and should they develop an influenza-like illness with fever, cough or shortness of breath during their stay or up to two weeks after return home, they should seek medical advice promptly for investigation.

Advice for Healthcare Professionals

Clinicians are advised to consider Legionnaires’ disease as a possible diagnosis in patients who present with flu-like symptoms and/or lower respiratory tract symptoms, or severe respiratory illness, and who have worked or stayed in South-West Edinburgh from mid-May until the first week of June inclusive.

Clinicians are also asked to consider arranging testing of urine samples for Legionella antigen, and sputum for Legionella, on all suspected cases.