Campaigners demanded a public inquiry today after four cases of potentially deadly legionnaires’ disease were confirmed in south London.
The cases have surfaced in Croydon but no link between them has yet been established. Lawyers representing more than 50 victims of previous outbreaks called for action. Clive Garner of law firm Irwin Mitchell, who has represented victims of the disease from incidents around the world, said: “It is unacceptable that people are being affected by an illness which could and should be avoided.
“While the cause of the latest cases in Croydon still has to be identified, a wide-ranging public inquiry is the first step towards reducing the risk this potentially fatal disease presents.”
Four patients are understood to be undergoing treatment at Croydon University Hospital. Cases are being investigated jointly by Public Health England, Croydon council and Croydon Health Services NHS trust.
Tests have already established that two of the cases have different strains from each other. Dr Barry Walsh, a director of health protection for Public Health England, said: “We have been pursuing all potential sources of infection and taking histories of the movements of patients.
“There is no current link between any of these four cases which would suggest a common source of infection.”
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious lung infection, caused by bacteria, that can lead to pneumonia. Initial symptoms include a flu-like illness with muscle aches, tiredness, headaches, dry cough and fever.
Irwin Mitchell has been representing victims of legionella outbreaks in Stoke and Edinburgh last year. Mr Garner said the investigation should cover “all aspects of the management of the recent outbreaks, as well as review the procedures, processes and training in place to ensure that legionella bacteria is effectively managed”.
