Investigation launched after Legionnaires’ case confirmed

A case of Legionnaires’ disease has been confirmed in a man who had visited leisure club facilities at a hotel in Dundee.

NHS experts and Dundee City Council have confirmed they are examining allegations that the illness stemmed from a visit to the Landmark Dundee hotel.

It has been revealed that nearly 70 other people have complained about feeling unwell after visiting the site. However, the current Legionnaires’ case remains the only confirmed instance.

NHS Tayside said yesterday that no evidence of legionella bacteria had been found so far in those with symptoms, although tests were continuing. Leisure facilities at Landmark Dundee remain closed as investigations continue.

Elaine Russell, a serious illness specialist at Irwin Mitchell, said:  

"News of the confirmed Legionnaires’ case is very concerning and will undoubtedly raise serious questions about the health standards at the hotel’s leisure centre. The suggestion that other people have fallen ill after visiting the site is also very concerning and I hope that a thorough assessment will provide answers as to how this came about, as well as how future problems can be prevented.

“Both guests and staff who use or work at the facilities deserve the right to know that lessons will be learnt and their safety and wellbeing will not be jeopardised going forward.”

Hugh Pennington, emeritus professor of bacteriology at Aberdeen University, told the Press and Journal that the high incidence of flu-like illness reported by staff and visitors at the Landmark hotel was unusual, but also may remain unexplained.

He added:

“It may happen that no link is found and the confirmed case might be due to another exposure.”

A spokesperson for Landmark Dundee has said:

“The health and safety of staff and guests are our number one priority at all times.

“Dr Christopher McGuigan, NHS Tayside consultant in public health medicine, is recommending that people do not stay away from the hotel as the focus of the investigation is on the leisure club.

“Until the investigation is complete, we have nothing more to add at this stage.”