Shaun O'Neil looks at the recent outbreak of
Legionnaires' disease in Edinburgh, the potential consequences
for affected organisations, insurers and individuals and the
approach to claims.
Although the onset of new cases has declined, at the time of
writing this article, the Edinburgh outbreak currently stands at 99
cases, including 3 fatalities. Tragically, this yet again
demonstrates the devastating impact that an outbreak of
Legionnaires' disease can have within the surrounding
community.
It is now common knowledge that Legionnaires' disease is
spread by the inhalation of water vapour that has been contaminated
with the legionella bacteria. In the event of infection, the
individual can develop flu-like symptoms and then severe
pneumonia. The most severe cases can result in multiple organ
failure and, as has again been demonstrated following the Edinburgh
outbreak, it can prove fatal. However, both the recent Edinburgh
outbreak and the events following the
