Two Legionnaires' disease cases diagnosed in Shropshire

Two people have been diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease in Shropshire.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) said it was not yet known if the two cases in the Whitchurch area were linked. One person is in hospital and the second recovering at home, the HPA added.

Professor Rod Thomson, Director of Public Health at Shropshire County PCT, said officials were taking necessary precautions.

"There is no possibility of spread from person to person," he said.

Water sources

Legionnaires' is a bacterial disease that causes a lung infection or pneumonia and is most common in men over the age of 50.

The bacteria can live in natural sources of water as well as artificial sources like water towers associated with cooling systems, the HPA said.

In 2006, a 77-year-old man from Whitchurch died after contracting it.

People are advised if they are feeling unwell with flu-like symptoms to contact their family doctor or NHS Direct.