Tests over three Legionella cases

Three cases of Legionnaires' disease have been confirmed in Surrey Heath, the borough council has revealed.

One person is in hospital receiving specialist care. Two others have been discharged and are recovering at home.

The council was alerted on Friday to the possibility that the source of a Legionalla case could be in the borough, a statement said.

On Monday a further two cases were reported. Tests are being carried out at premises across Surrey Heath.

The authority said the results of tests would not be known until next week.


At present there is no evidence that the cases are linked
Dr Anna Jones

"Until then it is not certain where these isolated cases occurred, or even that they occurred at any of the premises in Surrey Heath," the statement added.

Dr Anna Jones, of Surrey Health Protection Unit, said: "We are working with environmental health departments to try and identify the source of these infections.

"At present there is no evidence that the cases are linked."

the council said Legionnaires' disease could affect people of all ages but mostly affects those over the age of 50, and men more than women.

Symptoms of include a flu-like illness with muscle aches, tiredness, headaches, dry cough and fever, leading on to pneumonia. Sometimes diarrhoea occurs and confusion may develop. It can be treated with antibiotics.

"People should be advised to seek medical attention if they have a respiratory illness suggestive of Legionnaires' disease," the council statement said.

source:news.bbc.co.uk