Historic Ludlow Feathers Hotel Closes After Legionnaires’ Disease Death
A guest who stayed at The Feathers Hotel in Ludlow, Shropshire in July has been confirmed to have died from Legionnaires’ disease, according to recent news reports. She is thought to have been in her sixties, and a resident of Merseyside, and passed away in the middle of August. This follows another case of Legionnaires’ disease suffered by another guest of the same hotel earlier in the year. That case involved a woman in her seventies who was diagnosed with the disease in April, but later recovered from the illness.
Hotel shuts voluntarily
The hotel has decided to close to the public after receiving expert advice from health specialists. Public Health England has confirmed legionella bacteria was found in samples taken from the hotel. Reports state that links were discovered between these samples and the samples taken from the two guests.
Those in charge of the hotel have also written to everyone who has stayed with them within the last two weeks. They are highlighting the need to be alert for any symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease, which can present in a similar manner to a cold or flu in the early stages.
Tests for legionella bacteria were positive earlier this year
The hotel was tested for the presence of Legionella bacteria when the first case occurred earlier this year. The hotel was issued with an improvement notice by local authority inspectors, which it fully complied with. The required work was then completed, and further tests were fine.
However, following the latest case that led to the death of the woman in her sixties in August, further tests were conducted that came back positive for Legionella bacteria. The hotel will now remain closed until further notice, as more extensive work is completed to ensure the plumbing is brought fully up to date. A consultant with the West Midlands health protection team, which is part of Public Health England, said it was “easier and minimises risks to the public to close the hotel temporarily to conduct remedial works.”
Historic Feathers Hotel
The Feathers Hotel is a very old building, with the oldest portion having been constructed in 1619. It was formerly used as an inn, and has been used as a hotel since 1863. Further water samples will be taken from points within the hotel to monitor the situation and to ensure the water system is fully safe before the hotel is re-opened to the public.
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