Eloise HorsfieldTHREE British pensioners have died from Legionnaires’ disease while on holiday in Spain.
A further ten Brits and four Spaniards were treated for the disease, which they contracted following a stay at the Diamante Beach Hotel in Calpe in Valencia.
“This is clearly a very upsetting time for families and staff,” said a spokesman from tour operator Saga Holidays, which specialises in holidays for the over-50s.
“We have done an inspection and made some recommendations to reduce a further outbreak, and they will need to make changes before we consider using it again.”
The hotel has been closed and the Valencia government is taking measures to control the disease.
All clients who had stayed at the hotel during the previous month were advised to see a doctor if they developed flu-like symptoms.
Elderly people and smokers are particularly vulnerable to the disease, which sees patients developing high fever, muscle aches and dry coughs between two and ten days of exposure.
Legionnella bacteria, which causes the disease, is often found in air conditioning or plumbing systems.
No intention of starting a blame game, but Saga tends to offer lots of off-season holiday packages in good hotels. Could it be that off-season is when establishments somewhat neglect maintenance? Maybe greater scrutiny at these times is in order.
For FAR too many years, this desease has been attributed to high bacteria count in the a/c water collection system. Simple solutions for a/c maintenance and control of this has existed for 10-20 years… why WAIT?!! – prevention EXISTS!
Check with CARRIER A/C Systems & other industrial A/C Systems suppliers