ONE person has now been diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease after an investigation was launched at a Sandown hotel.
The Isle of Wight Council confirmed last week high levels of Legionella bacterium, which causes the potentially-fatal water-borne disease, had been found at the Melville Hall Hotel and Utopia Spa.
The council's environmental health team ordered the Melville Road hotel to close its swimming pool and spa facilities.
One man was swimming when environmental health officers descended on the hotel and told him to get out of the pool immediately.
The council has today (Tuesday) confirmed one person has been diagnosed with Legionnaire's disease.
A spokesperson said the authority was working with Public Health England as the investigation continued.
"It can be confirmed that one case of Legionnaires’ disease has been linked to the hotel spa and pool facilities," said the spokesperson.
"The prohibition notices served will continue to remain in place until satisfactory measures have been undertaken and verified."
Legionnaires' disease is an uncommon, but potentially fatal, form of pneumonia.
Public Health England has advised anyone who has developed symptoms within 14 days of using the hotel's facilities to contact their GP.
After news of the investigation was published last week, customers came forward to share their own experiences of the hotel on social media. Many criticised the cleanliness of the facilities.
One guest, who saw the hot tub cordoned off with yellow signs, and red and white tape, said it looked like a crime scene.
A spokesperson for the Melville Hall Hotel and Utopia Spa said last week: "Our guests' health and safety is our highest priority.
"The environmental health service is obliged to check all hotels on the Island. Naturally, we will work with them during our ongoing refurbishment program to further enhance our superb facilities."
For further information about Legionnaires’ disease please see https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/legionnaires-disease/.
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