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iSSUE 642
03 - 09 feb 2012
Legionnaires’ deaths
Spanair folds leaving thousands stranded In financial difficulties for the last several years, the airline suspended operations last weekend amid debts that have spiralled to €300 million. p4
by jack troughton
Need new windows or doors? Lu x - a l a re o f f e r i n g F REE fi t t i n g f o r t h e fi r s t 2 5 c u s t om e r s ! S e e t h e i r ad ve r t on p43
Make this Valentine’s Day a Smartphone Day With a little heart and help from technology, individuals can use their smartphones to easily plan for this romantic time. p44
Aunty Virus
More of your technical questions and problems are answered in this weekly feature. p58
Michael O’Leary
Ryanair faces D-day RYANAIR’S CASE against AENA Alicante’s forced use of air bridges goes to the Alicante Court of Appeal next Tuesday. Due to the impending hearing, RTN was invited to attend a press conference with Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary to get his take on the situation which, if the court rules against the company, will see the withdrawal of 300 flights and the loss of 1.5 million passengers and 1,500 jobs. Continued on page 5.
TWO BRITISH tourists died in a Costa Blanca hospital this week after an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease struck the resort of Calpe. A total of six guests, including one Spanish national, all aged in their seventies and eighties were taken to the Benidorm Clinic last month after falling ill at a hotel in the town. The two pensioners lost their lives on Tuesday and Wednesday. The five British tourists were holidaying with Saga. It is understood another five customers have developed the disease after returning home to the UK following breaks in Spain. Legionnaires’ disease is contracted by inhaling tiny infected droplets of water in the air. The incubation period is 10 to 12 days and health chiefs warn further cases could occur. But the source of the outbreak remains a mystery. Scientists from the Spanish Health Authority and an expert from Saga have inspected the hotel but
were unable to find traces of the bacteria. A spokesman for the British Consulate in Alicante confirmed the two deaths of two British nationals and said consular assistance was being given to those affected and their families. Paul Green, a spokesman for Saga Holidays, said the company was informed on January 14th a guest at a hotel in Calpe had fallen ill with a form of pneumonia. “Five of our clients were taken to hospital for treatment although one was discharged after being successfully treated with antibiotics,” he said. “When you contract Legionnaires’ you first develop a ‘flu-type illness and all our customers in the hotel were asked whether they had such symptoms and that process revealed the five who needed treatment. “We also contacted customers who have returned to the UK over the previous weeks and that revealed another five.” Continued on page 5