

12.08.2014
The White Bear pub on Freeman Street has closed voluntarily as investigation into the cause of the outbreak continues. Four cases have been confirmed in the local area and the owners of the pub took the decision to close the premises for the time being whilst the investigation into the cause of the outbreak continues.
Public Health England has confirmed that the source of the outbreak is still not confirmed, but all four individuals were in the area of Freeman Street not long before they became ill. The organisation is continuing to investigate the outbreak and is not ruling out any possible sources.
Legionnaires’ disease is contracted through the inhalation of water droplets in the air containing bacteria which usually come from artificial water sources that maintain a temperature in which the bacteria thrive, such as faulty air-conditioning units and cooling towers.
Amandeep Dhillon, a leading Public Health lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said:
Four Cases Of Legionnaires’ Disease Have Been Confirmed In Grimsby
Specialist illness lawyers who have represented many victims of Legionnaires’ disease both in the UK and abroad have welcomed the swift investigation by Public Health England and health officials in North East Lincolnshire, which is aimed at preventing the spread of the disease.The White Bear pub on Freeman Street has closed voluntarily as investigation into the cause of the outbreak continues. Four cases have been confirmed in the local area and the owners of the pub took the decision to close the premises for the time being whilst the investigation into the cause of the outbreak continues.
Public Health England has confirmed that the source of the outbreak is still not confirmed, but all four individuals were in the area of Freeman Street not long before they became ill. The organisation is continuing to investigate the outbreak and is not ruling out any possible sources.
Legionnaires’ disease is contracted through the inhalation of water droplets in the air containing bacteria which usually come from artificial water sources that maintain a temperature in which the bacteria thrive, such as faulty air-conditioning units and cooling towers.
Amandeep Dhillon, a leading Public Health lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said:
Expert Opinion
We welcome the measures that have been taken in Grimsby to narrow the search for the source of the outbreak as Legionnaires’ disease can spread quickly if it is not contained. It is important that investigators uncover the source or sources of the outbreak as soon as possible to ensure nobody else contracts the disease.
“We have represented a number of victims of Legionnaires’ disease both in the UK and abroad and it is a very serious illness – which can be fatal. The first priority is making sure victims get the help and support they need for their recovery, as the disease can have long-lasting effects on people’s lives.
“Hopefully the narrowing down of the search for the source of the disease in Grimsby will help to pinpoint the cause and provide victims with the answers they deserve.” Amandeep Dhillon - Partner