Shropshire Legionnaires' Disease cases

Health experts are investigating an outbreak of the potentially fatal Legionnaires' Disease in Shropshire.

Two cases of the disease have been reported in the Whitchurch area. One patient is currently being treated in hospital and the other is said to be recovering at home.

Environmental and public health officials are working to identify and control possible sources of the infection, which is caused by a bacteria found in water.

The cases are being investigated by the Health Protection Agency, Shropshire Council and Shropshire County Primary Care Trust.

HPA consultant Dr Rob Carr said: "While we do not currently have any link between the cases we cannot at this stage discount the fact that there may be a common source. We are working with partner agencies to reduce any possible further risk."

Professor Rod Thomson, director of public health at Shropshire County PCT, added: "We are taking appropriate precautions to ensure that possible sources are investigated. There is no possibility of spread from person to person."

People become infected when they inhale legionella bacteria which have been released into the air.

The bacteria can live in all types of water including both natural sources such as rivers and streams, and artificial water sources such as water towers associated with cooling systems, hot and cold water systems and spa pools.

The disease generally affects men over the age of 50. Early symptoms include a "flu-like" illness with muscle aches, tiredness, headaches, dry cough and fever.

This can then lead on to pneumonia with increasing cough and shortness of breath.

By Health Correspondent Dave Morris