Legionnella in Scotland

Health authorities have reported two new cases of Legionnaire’s Disease who became ill around the same time as the initial cases. The total number of cases in this outbreak is now 9, while 3 have died. To date, the on-going investigation has not revealed a common source of exposure. Seven of the cases occurred in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area and two in Lanarkshire.

Travellers should be aware that the risk of exposure to Legionnaire’s disease is related to exposure to water vapors generated by contaminated water cooling towers in air conditioners, hot tubs, spas, etc. At the present time travellers to this region should monitor local media and public health announcements to determine if they have been exposed.