Legionnaires' test results clear

Legionnaires' disease is a rare type of pneumonia

Interim results of tests carried out after a man died of Legionnaires' disease in Berkshire have been clear.

The man's home in Elizabeth House on Gosbrook Road in Caversham, Reading, had no traces of legionella in the water system, the borough council said.

The man, who has not yet been formally identified, was found his flat earlier this month.

Water storage systems in the area were checked and chlorinated as a precaution last week.

Workplace inquires

A council spokesperson said: "These are interim findings however and the council now awaits the final results to confirm these interim findings.

"These are expected in the week beginning 5 November and the council will again be writing to residents as soon as the results are received.

"The council is also making inquiries regarding control of legionella at the workplace of the deceased as well as possible other sources."

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.

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