Illness In Spanish Capital

An expert in travel law from law firm Irwin Mitchell has called on Spanish authorities to react as quickly as possible to prevent the spread of a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Madrid.

Reports suggest that two people have died as a result of the outbreak, with 29 others taken ill. Health authorities in the Spanish capital are inspecting air conditioning systems in an attempt to track down the source of the problem.

Clive Garner, head of Irwin Mitchell’s travel law team, said it was vital that the authorities complete their inquiries quickly in order to protect locals and visitors.

Mr Garner said: “Legionnaires’ disease can obviously be extremely dangerous and tragically, as here, can have fatal consequences.

“Every year we are asked for help by the families of those who have sadly died following the contraction of Legionnaires’ disease or by those whose lives have been turned upside having been exposed to it.

“The bacteria can be found in small quantities in water systems which can lead to an extremely dangerous illness which, as we are able to see from these reports, can be fatal.

“I welcome the news that authorities in Madrid are investigating the problem, but urge them to work as quickly as possible to ensure that no one else suffers from this terrible illness.”