The deadly Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Scotland has claimed its second life in the city of Edinburgh previous night.

Health experts believe that the outbreak began as a result of contaminated cooling towers in the west of the city. NHS Lothian, the local health authority had earlier said that it is investigating another 15 suspected cases in the region.

The second victim was among the patients being treated at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. Health officials said that the man has pre-existing, underlying health conditions. The person died at the hospital yesterday evening. He was among the first victims to be admitted to the health unit.

Officials are investigating the source of the outbreak while cooling towers are being suspected as the source of the disease. Experts have tested 16 cooling towers on four sites in the Gorgie, Dalry, Saughton areas. They found that all the cases can be traced to one geographical area in the city.

Legionnaire's disease is caused when a person inhales small droplets that are contaminated with legionella bacterium. Experts say that the Legionnella bacteria can travel for miles through the air. Experts have rinsed16 cooling towers with chlorine to contain the disease and if a cooling tower is confirmed to the source of the infection then further cleaning will be undertaken.