Edinburgh Legionnaires' outbreak: Two more cases confirmed

Two further cases of Legionnaires' disease have been confirmed in Edinburgh, bringing the total number to 41, with a further 47 suspected cases.

Both of the newly confirmed cases had previously been classed as "suspected" meaning the overall number of cases remains unchanged at 88.

Of those cases being treated in hospital, 11 are in intensive care and 19 are on general wards.

The first case was identified on 28 May.

A total of 18 cases are being treated in the community, 32 have been discharged from hospital and one person has died.

Seven cases are being treated out with the NHS Lothian area.

The Health and Safety Executive and Edinburgh City Council are continuing their investigations into the possible source of the outbreak, which is thought to have been caused by a cooling tower.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: "These numbers today again offer reassurance that the worst of the outbreak is over. The increase of confirmed cases and reduction in the suspected cases is in line with our expectations.

"However, there is no room for complacency and we will continue to monitor the situation very closely over the coming days."

Dr Duncan McCormick, chairman of the incident management team, added: "The number of confirmed cases has increased by two to 41 but these two patients are not new and were known to us as suspected cases.

"It is encouraging to see that the number of patients being treated in critical care has reduced and that overall more patients are recovering and being discharged home."