Legionnaires' case closes hotel

The source of the outbreak is being investigated

A hotel in Devon has been closed after a guest was struck down by Legionnaires' disease.

A second holidaymaker at the Roseland Hotel in Torquay has gone down with the related Pontiac Fever and eight other cases are suspected.

Both are caused by the same bacteria, Legionella pneumophila.

South and West Devon Health Authority is now trying to trace every guest who was at the hotel at the beginning of October.

The health authority has stressed that neither disease can be passed from one person to another.

Legionnaires' Disease

Named after outbreak at an American Legion conference in Philadelphia in 1976

Caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila

Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches and stomach upset

Mostly affects middle-aged and older people

Contracted by breathing water droplets infected with the bacteria

Dr Sarah Harrison, the authority's communicable disease consultant, said all the guests being traced were on holiday at the time.

She said: "The bacteria that cause both diseases can be found in water systems.

"The owners of the hotel closed its leisure facilities as soon as they were aware of the problem."

The bacteria can only infect humans when water is turned to mist.

The source of the Torquay outbreak is being investigated.

Legionnaires' Disease has severe symptoms, including pneumonia.

Pontiac Fever is a milder illness.

In 1999 in England and Wales, 201 cases of Legionnaires' disease were reported, of which 30 proved fatal.