Legionnaire's disease victim named

Aug 11 2007 By Gurdip Thandi, Birmingham Mail

A WOMAN who died following an outbreak of legionnaire's disease in Dudley has been identified.

Patricia Pauline Ashton was rushed to Russell's Hall Hospital, in Brierley Hill, showing symptoms of the disease, last Tuesday.

Four other people have also contracted the illness, which has flu-like symptoms and can lead to pneumonia.

One victim remains in a stable condition in hospital and three more are recovering at home.

At least ten sites are being investigated as potential sources of the outbreak in a joint operation by public and environmental health experts.

An inquest has been opened by Black Country Coroner Robin Balmain into the death of Mrs Ashton, aged 51, who worked as a carer.

The official cause of her death was given as Legionella pneumonia and the inquest adjourned until a date to be fixed.

Friends and relatives of Mrs Ashton have been visiting the family home in Newland Grove, Holly Hall, dropping off cards and flowers.

A man at the address, believed to be Mrs Ashton's son, said the family were too distressed to talk about their loss.