Reports Reveal Investigation Is Underway Into Illness Problems

By Rob Dixon

Health authorities in South Yorkshire are continuing to investigate after one person was reported to have died and another is recovering following a suspected outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in the region.

The South Yorkshire Health Protection Team has stated that environmental health officers in the area are investigating any potential common source of the infection and have called on people to remain vigilant for any symptoms which may be related to the illness.

No other cases are so far believed to have been reported and the organisation has stated it will provide further updates and advice when it is deemed necessary.

Irwin Mitchell’s specialist illness team represent thousands of people who have suffered serious health problems as a result of outbreaks of a range of illnesses across the globe, including notably acting for victims of separate outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease in Stoke-on-Trent and Edinburgh last year.

Suki Chhokar, a Partner and expert in illness claims at the national law firm, said: “It is very worrying to see these reports emerge and we hope that authorities in the region are able to work quickly to investigate the problems, as well as to identify any potential source of these issues.

“Through our work on cases similar to this, we know from experience how illness problems of this kind can have a huge impact on both victims and the families of those affected.

“The seriousness of the reported situation should not be underestimated and we hope that, alongside the terrible issues seen in both Stoke and Edinburgh in the past year, these problems will lead to a thorough review of the safety measures in place to ensure that the risk of infection is always effectively handled.”

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in relation to Environmental and Health Pollutant claims