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Employer issues killer disease warning to staff
STAFF at Perkins Engines, one of the Peterborough's biggest firms have been warned after an employee was struck down with the killer disease Legionnaires.
STAFF at Perkins Engines, one of the Peterborough's biggest firms have been warned after an employee was struck down with the killer disease Legionnaires.The Perkins employee is receiving treatment in hospital after contracting the disease, and health and safety staff have carried out tests to find the source of the infection.
Today, a spokeswoman for Perkins said tests had not shown any evidence that the disease had originated at the plant, beside the Frank Perkins Parkway.
Communications manager Marion King said: "One member of staff is still in hospital recovering from the disease after contracting it early this week.
"A water treatment specialist last carried out a test on June 23 and gave the all clear.
"And while we cannot speculate on the cause, there is no evidence that it originated here.
"No one else has reported suffering from any of the symptoms."
Legionnaires' Disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia. The disease is caused by Legionella pneumophila bacterium living in water, and leads to flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, cough, muscle aches and pains and tiredness.
If the disease progresses, the patient's temperature goes up, vomiting and diarrhoea may start, chest problems can worsen and the patient can become confused.
The area's Health Protection Agency (HPA) was informed of the case by doctors treating the patient.
The city council and the Peterborough Primary Care Trust were also notified.
Consultant in communicable disease control with the HPA Dr Bernadette Nazareth said: "Once we are notified we investigate all possible risk factors.
"Most cases are single isolated cases and we never find a source.
"Some of the potential places that we look at are cooling systems, showers and swimming pools."
Dr Nazareth said it was unlikely that anyone other than the person who had contracted the illness had been exposed.
She added: "If that had been the case, we would have seen more cases by now."
Legionellae in the environment usually causes no harm. Problems only arise when the organism finds itself in an ideal environment in which to multiply, such as stagnant water, and is then given an opportunity to spread.
Legionnaires' Disease is not contagious, and cannot be passed from person to person.
The disease is spread from an infected water source through the air, for example spray from infrequently used shower units.
Rooftop cooling systems are also a particular hazard, where a cascade of water is used to cool pipes.
This produces spray which can enter the air conditioning system, or fine droplets can fall onto passers-by.
About one in 10 people who contract the disease die as a result.
Anyone worried about the condition is advised to see their doctor immediately.
External link:
Perkins Engines www.perkins.com
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