Three deaths in Spain  - Legionnaires´ Disease – Diamante Beach Hotel

Three British holidaymakers have died in Spain after contracting Legionnaires’ Disease whilst staying at the Diamante Beach Hotel in Calpe on the Costa Blanca.

The three male holidaymakers were all pensioners in their 70s and 80s. One person died in hospital and another was found dead in a hotel room. Five other people have been hospitalised after falling ill at the same hotel.

A spokesman for Saga Holidays confirmed that one person was being treated for pneumonia caused by legionella on 14th January.Reports of flu-like symptoms were also reported and Saga sent a scientific expert to Spain.Water samples were taken from the hotel and all Saga customers were moved to a new hotel.Holidaymakers who had stayed at the Diamante Beach during the previous month advised to visit their GP if they suffered flu-like symptoms after or during their stay at the hotel.

One person who had not suffered any symptoms of illness previously, sadly died in his room at the second hotel and legionella was later confirmed as the cause of death by the Spanish health authorities.

Saga, which specialises in holidays for the over-50s - will offer compensation to those who contracted the bacterium and has suspended sending clients to the hotel, said the spokesman.Legionella bacteria are often found in air conditioning or plumbing systems of large buildings which, when inhaled, can cause disease leading to lung infection or pneumonia. Symptoms can include high fever, aching muscles and coughs.

The Foreign Office (FCO) said it was providing consular assistance to those affected by the outbreak and their families.If you have become ill after staying at the Diamante Beach Hotel in Costa Blanca, Spain, contact us as soon as possible. We specialise in holiday illness compensation claims and we work on a no win, no fee basis. Call Anne Thomson, Head of our Holiday Illness Claims Department. “It is well known that Legionnaires can be very serious and particularly for the elderly and those with low immune systems.  I would urge anyone who has been unwell to seek advice from their GP and also talk to me regarding the appropriate compensation they may be entitled to.”  Call  080001 54321 or fill in the online claim form.