Three British men die in Spain - Legionnaires´ Disease – Diamante Beach Hotel

Three British men have died after they contracted Legionnaires´ Disease in Spain and a further 5 have received hospital treatment on return to the UK.

The holidaymakers who died, all pensioners, were staying at the Diamante Beach Hotel in Calpe, Costa Blanca, said a spokesman for Saga Holidays.It is understood that one person died in hospital on Thursday 26th January and another was found dead in a hotel room.A spokesman for Saga Holidays said they were told one person was being treated for pneumonia caused by legionella on 14th January.

Reports of flu-like symptoms were also reported and Saga immediately sent a scientific expert to Spain according to the spokesman.Water samples were taken from the hotel and all clients were moved to a new hotel. Anyone who stayed at the Diamante was advised to see a GP if they suffered any type of flu-like symptoms.

One victim had not previously reported being ill and died in his room at the second hotel on 31st January. Spanish health authorities confirmed the death as being caused by legionella bacterium.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 is 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 stayed at the Diamante Beach Hotel in Calpe, and you have suffered any type of illness or flu-like symptoms, you may be able to claim compensation with our help from the tour operator. We specialise in compensation claims after illness abroad, and Anne Thomson, our Holiday Claims Expert, will guide you through the compensation claims process from start to finish. Call Anne on: 080001 54321 or fill in the online claim form.