BBC News | SCOTLAND | Third Legionnaire's case confirmed

Borders Health Board has confirmed that a worker from a plastics factory is suffering from the potentially fatal Legionnaire's disease.

The employee of Mainietti UK Plastics in Jedburgh was admitted to Borders General Hospital with a chest infection.

The health board has also confirmed that a water sample taken from the factory's cooling tower was found to have traces of the Legionella infection.

Health and Safety Executive inspectors have served a prohibition notice on the factory preventing use of the tower where the infection was found.

It is to stay out of use until it has been cleaned, disinfected and shown to be clear of Legionella.

The Legionella bug causes the disease
The patient is the third confirmed case of the disease in the region but is said to be making a steady recovery.

The health board has stressed that there is little risk of passing the infection from person to person.

However, they said that anyone who is concerned should consult their GP.

Legionnaire's disease is a lung infection caused by the Legionella pneumophila bacterium.

The incubation period is from two to 10 days.

Many patients suffer nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort.

Other common symptoms include headaches, muscle aches, chest pain, and shortness of breath.


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