Edinburgh Legionnaires' outbreak: Second victim dies
A second person has died after contracting Legionnaires' disease in Edinburgh. The as yet unnamed man is believed to be in her 40's and from the Gorgie area in Edinburgh.
The total number of confirmed cases of Legionnaires' disease currently stands at 41. And the suspected cases stands at 48. So far, all of those infected have connections to the south-west of the city, where the outbreak is believed to have been caused by a cooling tower. The exact source has not been identified and investigations continue.
According to authorities, The Health and Safety Executive have issued orders to two industrial sites in the area within the past few days. The North British Distillery Company was issued with an improvement notice as well as the pharmaceuticals firm Macfarlan Smith who has been ordered to clean one of its cooling towers and provide inspection access. However this doesn't mean that either of the two are to blame for the legionnaires' outbreak.
Legionnaires' disease is contracted by breathing in small droplets of water contaminated with Legionella bacteria.
The NHS has set up a special helpline for anyone, who may be concerned about the Legionnaires virus.
Written and Presented by Ann Salter