Scottish Resort Shuts following Discovery of Legionella Bacteria
Legionnaires' disease risk
Bacteria which causes the potentially deadly Legionnaires’ disease has been found on a Scottish leisure resort, causing it to close.
A 60 year old man who died following a visit to the resort Piperdam, near Dundee in Angus, prompted an investigation.
People who stayed at the resort between 2 and 15 April are now being contacted after health officials found Legionella bacteria in a shower head and a hot tub at one of the lodges.
Symptoms of the disease include fever with sweating, severe headache, shortness of breath, pain in the side of the chest, and muscle aches and it is caught by inhaling infected water droplets.
The holiday lodges, swimming baths and spa have been voluntarily closed by the owners whilst they work closely with investigating environmental health officers to ensure there is no further risk to guests.
Phil Mulholland, the owner said that they are “co-operating fully with NHS Tayside Health Protection and Angus Council Environmental Health Team”.
Anyone who visited the resort between 2 and 15 April and becomes ill with any of the symptoms of the disease has been urged to contact their GP.
Clive Garner, Head of Travel Law at Irwin Mitchell, who has acted for many victims of Legionnaires disease across the world said today: “Legionnaires disease is obviously a very serious condition and for many victims, as in this case, it can be fatal.
“The risk of transmitting Legionella bacteria is well known and the steps necessary to protect the public from it are simple, cheap and easily implemented.
"I have dealt with claims arising from many outbreaks of Legionnaires disease contracted around the world. All of these outbreaks could and should have been avoided. Clearly more still needs to be done to promote higher standards and avoid repetition of this tragic loss of life."
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