Second Legionnaires' case at club

A second person has been diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease after an outbreak linked to a Wearside health club.

Health experts have also identified 76 confirmed or probable cases of Pontiac Fever - a less serious illness caused by the legionella bug.

The pool and spa at Springs Club in Sunderland were closed on 23 August following the outbreak.

All of those affected have recovered or are recovering, according to the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

The agency, along with Sunderland Teaching Primary Care Trust and Sunderland City Council, is investigating various other reports of illness dating back to before the spa pool was shut.

All the cases of illness we are now aware of can be traced back to before the spa pool was closed so we are confident that there is no on-going health risk to the public Dr Kirsty Foster, HPA

It is not known yet if these are related to the outbreak as the symptoms reported could be due to other illnesses circulating in the community, according to Dr Kirsty Foster from the HPA.

She said: "All the cases of illness we are now aware of can be traced back to before the spa pool was closed so we are confident that there is no on-going health risk to the public.

"But the investigation continues into exactly how the Legionella organism got into the spa pool and how it can be prevented from happening again. Until this is known the spa pool will remain closed."

Legionnaires' disease is fatal in approximately 5% to 15% of cases.

It is most often contracted by inhaling contaminated mist from water sources such as whirlpool baths, showers, and cooling towers.

Pontiac Fever is a far milder form of Legionnaires' disease and symptoms last between two and five days.