Four Legionnaires' cases confirmed in Edinburgh outbreak

At least four people have contracted Legionnaires' disease following an outbreak in Edinburgh.

NHS Lothian said four men, aged 39, 48, 60 and 63, were being treated in hospital after being confirmed as having the disease.

Three are in intensive care, while another is being cared for in a high dependency unit.

Four other people, two women, both aged 49, and two men, aged 88 and 63, are also suspected of having the illness.

All of the cases have come from the south west area of Edinburgh since 7 May.

Environmental health officials are trying to locate the source of the outbreak.

NHS Lothian said the Legionella bacteria is commonly found in sources of water, such as rivers and lakes.

It can end up in artificial water supply systems, including air conditioning systems, water services and cooling towers.

The disease is not contagious and cannot be spread directly from person to person.

It is contracted by breathing in small droplets of contaminated water.

Symptoms include mild headaches, muscle pain, fever, a persistent cough and sometimes vomiting and diarrhoea.

About half of those with Legionnaires' disease will also experience changes to their mental state, such as confusion.

NHS Lothian said steps were being taken to treat cooling towers in the south west Edinburgh area as a precaution until the source is located.

Dona Milne, acting director of public health and health policy, said: "We have four confirmed cases of Legionnaires' disease which all seem to come from the same point source in the south west of Edinburgh.

"Anybody who develops symptoms of Legionnaires' disease should contact NHS 24 immediately or go to their GP.

"The safety of the public is our number one priority and we would urge people to look out for the symptoms of this disease."

NHS Lothian said all GP surgeries in the area were due to be open on Monday, however some will be closed on Tuesday for the Jubilee bank holiday.