Tribute paid to victim who died in influenza outbreak at care home

A total of 28 residents are now known to have been affected, including the seven who have died. The first five deaths occurred within a 48-hour period and were investigated by police, but an inquiry by NHS Tayside established that influenza was the likely cause of death. Mr Masterton, who regularly visited Ms Gamble, a former wages clerk at Dundee's NCR factory, described how she seemed to succumb to the virus.

He said: "She started coughing and was congested. It looked like she was overcome with influenza, and I remember thinking it seemed a virus had got into the home. It was a shame and you could tell the staff were working very hard to try to deal with it.

"Joyce died last Monday and we were organising her funeral when I was contacted by the police and had to give a statement. I told them how she had been and how she seemed to deteriorate with an infection."

Mr Masterton added that he did not want to criticise staff. He said: "We visited Joyce almost every week and we found the home to be clean and well run.

"Joyce was always immaculate, her room was always clean and the staff were always very good and attentive towards her."

The lawyer revealed that Ms Gamble's remains will be buried alongside his daughter Nicole, who died in a bonfire night accident in 1999 at the age of three.

NHS Tayside yesterday confirmed all infected residents are being cared for at the home, with "intensive support" from GPs and primary care.

The health board added that it is continuing to investigate.

A spokeswoman said: "All appropriate infection control measures have been put in place and there is no increased risk to the wider public. Where appropriate, residents have been offered antivirals which can reduce the severity and infectiousness of influenza."