Legal News
Legionnaires^ Corfu Holiday Link (11 October 2011)
Date: 11/10/2011
All nine cases of Legionnaires' disease in the UK in August have been linked to holidays, according to the Health Protection Agency (HPA). However, the HPA is unable to rule out that the infection has a UK source. The HPA is advising the public to be aware of the symptoms of Legionnaires' disease, particularly if they plan to visit a Greek island. The illness can result in severe pneumonia and can be fatal.
The symptoms of Legionnaire’s disease can take up to two weeks to develop. The disease, which is caused by bacteria, can be successfully treated with antibiotics. The bacterium that causes the disease is unable to spread between individuals. The bacterium is found in water, rendering cooling systems, showers, and taps are common sources of infection.
Professor Nick Phin, who works at the Legionnaires' disease department at the HPA, told of his concern that UK residents holidaying in Corfu were not aware of the potential risk of contracting the disease. Professor Phin is not advising people to change their holiday plans but claims that holidaymakers should be aware of the symptoms of the disease in order to seek immediate medical treatment. Professor Phin stated that the HPA was continuing their investigations in order to provide travellers with the best advice and to minimise the risk of further cases. The HPA is also assisting the Greek Public Health authorities in conducting their investigations into a possible source or sources of the disease within Corfu itself.
Duncan Lewis’ dedicated personal injury solicitors can help clients who have suffered from Legionnaire’s disease to apply for holiday accident compensation.