Prosecutors to probe fatal disease outbreak

PrOSECuTOrS are to consider a report into a fatal outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease two years ago, it emerged yesterday.

Four people died and 45 others needed hospital treatment after contracting the disease in Edinburgh in June 2012.

Following an investigation, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has submitted its findings to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS).

a dedicated health and safety unit will consider the report.

Cooling towers in the southwest of Edinburgh have previously been identified as a possible source of the Legionella bacteria.

a total of 92 people were affected by the outbreak, which cost nHS Lothian £725,800.

a spokesman for COPFS confirmed the HSE was submitting reports on the outbreak to its health and safety division.

He said: “as in all cases, the COPFS will give full and careful consideration to all of the facts and circumstances.

“Where there is sufficient credible evidence of a crime, the matter will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.”

Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia and is caught by inhaling droplets of water, suspended in the air, containing harmful levels of Legionella bacteria. The bacteria is common in rivers and ponds but exposure is more likely from water systems such as cooling towers and spa pools.