Woman dies of Legionnaire's in Waterford

An elderly woman has reportedly died from Legionnaire's Disease at Waterford Regional Hospital.

The South-Eastern Health Board has confirmed the case, but has refused to say if the woman died from it or was merely infected.

The board has also confirmed that the woman is believed to have contracted the illness while being treated at the hospital.

It said the full circumstances of the case are being examined and insisted that the hospital took immediate steps within the area where the patient was located to remove the risk of further infection to patients or staff.

Legionnaire's Disease is not contagious and is usually contracted by inhaling airborne water droplets containing the legionellae bacterium.