Dubai authorities have launched an investigation to determine how three guests became infected with legionnaires' disease, including one who died on Friday.
Zawya.com further reported:
British cricket statistician and broadcaster Bill Frindall, 69, died on Friday after falling ill with the infectious disease after a cricket tour of the UAE a fortnight ago. Two other guests of the hotel also fell ill. Their condition was unknown. They were staying at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina in Jumeirah.
"A thorough investigation is on. Dubai health authority officials, independent assessors, including leading experts from Europe and the US, have been taking part in the investigation," said a civic official on condition of anonymity.
Arab News tried to contact Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina's public relation manager, but she was not available for comments. Hotel sources said that they would contact the paper as soon as possible.
However, it is not known where Frindall contracted the disease. The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina, where he was staying, is investigating the case.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Westin's parent company, said in a statement:
"Three recent visitors to the UAE who were guests of the hotel have reportedly been diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease."
It added that "no evidence of legionella has been found to date at the hotel based on initial testing by an independent accredited laboratory".
However, it said that investigations would continue "to insure that the hotel satisfies all requirements regarding the health, safety and welfare of hotel guests and associates". |