Inquiry into Scots case of Legionnaires'

A multi-agency investigation has been launched after a case of Legionnaires' disease was confirmed in Scotland.The patient is being treated in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for the potentially fatal illness.

NHS Lanarkshire said the patient, who lives in its area, became ill while on Shetland where they work, after staying a night in Aberdeen on the way there.

NHS Lanarkshire is working with North Lanarkshire Council, NHS Grampian, NHS Shetland and Health Protection Scotland to investigate the possible source of the infection.

Legionnaires' disease is transmitted by aerosol spread - that is, by inhalation of infected water droplets. Sources can include air conditioning systems.

Dr David Cromie, consultant in public health medicine at NHS Lanarkshire, said: "Often with single cases of Legionella, it can be difficult to positively identify the source of the bacteria, however, we are currently investigating a number of possible sources, although to date no source of infection has been identified."

NHS Lanarkshire has not yet said when the patient became ill.

View the original article here