Prisoner tests confirm Legionnaires'

Prisoner tests confirm Legionnaires'

The man was admitted to Raigmore Hospital

A cell block at Dingwall police office has been closed after a prisoner was confirmed with Legionnaires' Disease.

A 36-year-old prisoner, who had been detained in the cells 10 days ago, was admitted to hospital when he fell ill on Friday.

Tests at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness confirmed he had the disease.

His condition on Tuesday was described as stable.

Precautionary measure

Medical staff at the hospital expect the man to make a full recovery.

Rob Henderson, Highland Health Board spokesman, said: "We have taken details from him and his whereabouts prior to him being in custody.

"This is the only case at the moment and we are conducting a standard investigation."

The police cells were closed as a precautionary measure after the case emerged.

Other inmates were being housed in nearby prisons, although no other cases have been reported as yet.

The local health board has been informed about the case and water tests were being carried out.

Legionnaires' disease can be spread via air-conditioning systems and tap water and is characterised by fever, lethargy, cough and pneumonia.

Cases of the disease contracted in Scotland are very rare, with only 30 to 40 reported each year, the majority of which are contracted overseas.