Legionnaires' death tests delay

Legionnaires' disease is a rare type of pneumonia

Results of tests carried out on premises after a man died of Legionnaires' disease in Berkshire are expected this week.

The man, who has not yet been formally identified, was found in a flat at Elizabeth House on Gosbrook Road in Caversham, Reading, nine days ago.

Water storage systems in the area have been checked and chlorinated as a precaution.

An examination of the victim's workplace is also being carried out.

No other cases of Legionella bacterium have been reported, the council said.

Diarrhoea

Last week in a statement, Reading Borough Council said it was making inquiries regarding the control of Legionella bacterium at the man's workplace.

Health officials and the borough council met on Thursday evening to discuss the case, but no further details including the name of the deceased or where he worked have yet been released.

Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease include a flu-like illness with muscle aches, tiredness, headaches, dry cough and fever, leading on to pneumonia.

Sometimes diarrhoea occurs and confusion may also develop. It can be treated with antibiotics but can be fatal.