Legionnaires' outbreak in UK leave 1 dead and 15 ill

LONDON – Health authorities in Scotland say one man has died and 15 people are in critical condition in hospitals after an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in the Edinburgh area.

NHS Lothian, the local health authority, says it is investigating another 15 suspected cases.

It said Tuesday that the man who died was in his 50s and had underlying health conditions.

Health officials are investigating the source of the outbreak.

Legionnaires' disease is contracted by breathing in small droplets of water contaminated with Legionella bacteria.

The bacteria can end up in artificial water supply systems, including air conditioning systems, water services and cooling towers.