Legionella outbreak confirmed

Both people were at Basildon University Hospital in Essex when they began to show signs they were affected by the bacterium legionella.

Yesterday, a hospital spokeswoman said the patients, who were in different parts of the building, had responded to antibiotic treatment but one was still in a critical condition.

Hospital chief executive Alan Whittle said: "We have continued to be vigilant and no further suspected cases have been identified.

"Based on the results of laboratory tests of water samples, we accept that the hospital is the probable source of the infection, despite our determined efforts to minimise the known risks of legionella.

"We do take the legionella risk extremely seriously. We test any patient with suspicious respiratory problems and we regularly test our water system for the bacteria."

The spokeswoman added that the last outbreak of the disease was in 2007.

Mr Whittle said: "Experts agree that the legionella bacteria is a common risk in large buildings with an extensive plumbing system."