A potential outbreak of Legionella Pneumonia at a Bulgarian hotel is thought to have resulted in the death of a man from Scotland.
The man, in his mid-forties, was visiting a resort in the country when he was struck down with the illness. After suffering flu-like symptoms and returning home, doctors quickly diagnosed Legionnaires’ Disease and took steps to treat pneumonia that had affected one lung. Unfortunately, the disease also affected his kidneys, while pneumonia spread to the other lung, meaning surgery was required to help him breathe.
During surgery, he suffered a cardiac arrest, which left him unresponsive for thirty minutes and resulted in brain damage. With multiple organs damaged as a result of the disease, this incidence proved to be fatal when the family agreed to turn off the man’s ventilator to end his suffering.
In such tragic circumstances as these, it is important that the families of victims get justice for any negligence that may have contributed to the incidence of legionella. The man’s family, in this case, have taken legal action against the tour operator who took care of his hotel and travel arrangements. Even though this is a confirmed case of legionella, neither the operator nor the Bulgarian resort has yet taken responsibility for the outbreak, which is thought to have affected four other people as well. As these were staff and guests at the hotel, the air conditioning system of the facility has been examined, but the plane used for the flights has not yet been tested.
With such a significant outbreak as this, finding the source of infection is of critical importance to local public health authorities and the tour operator. Public Health Scotland are said to be aware of the incident and have contacted the families of two of the guests who were also affected. They are thought to reside in the UK. Time is of the essence when diagnosing legionella infection and it is vital that anyone who has contracted the disease is found and treated before there are more devastating consequences.
Preventing cases of legionella is the responsibility of duty holders and facilities staff. The bacteria lives in hot-and-cold water systems, thriving in pipes and tanks where there is irregular water flow and stagnant conditions. Frequent flushing, monitoring and cleansing of outlets, piping, containers and machinery is essential to stop the build-up of legionella in these systems. While the bacteria cannot be contracted by swallowing contaminated water, it can be easily inhaled in water vapour, putting pool and bathroom users - such as hotel guests - at particular risk. Facilities staff are also likely to be at risk from legionella, which usually causes pneumonia symptoms, as well as chest pain, nausea and trouble breathing in those infected. The disease is especially serious in those with chronic health conditions, the elderly or immuno-compromised and smokers.
The consequences for facilities and indeed tour operators found guilty of negligence can be severe. Duty holders have a responsibility to keep the public safe and allowing legionella build-up in water systems puts them at risk. This means that they are liable should somebody contract the disease as a result of visiting the facility. Likewise, tour operators who carelessly send holidaymakers to hotels and resorts with poor water hygiene practices are unlikely to escape punishment. Businesses that neglect these responsibilities can be hit with large compensation payouts and significant reputational damage, while the facilities themselves lose money as they are shut down and decontaminated.
It remains to be seen who is responsible in this latest incidence, which has led to a tragic fatality and a family demanding answers.
