Pontiac fever cases peak at 120

The number of people laid low by a flu-like bug linked to a Sunderland Health Club has risen from 76 to 120.

Health experts believe the number of cases of the bug, Pontiac Fever, linked to the Springs Club has now peaked.

They also confirmed two people suffering from the more serious Legionnaires' Disease are recovering.

However, the common flu-like symptoms of Pontiac Fever have made the probe a complex one and the pool and spa remain closed as enquiries continue.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA), which closed the pool on 23 August, said the 120 sufferers were confirmed or probable cases.

Questionnaires have also been sent to 800 visitors to the club in an effort to work out why some became ill and others did not.

No on-going risk

Dr Kirsty Foster, of the HPA in Sunderland, said: "There have been no suspected or confirmed cases of the Legionnaires' infection since the spa pool was closed so we are confident that there is no on-going health risk.

"As it has now been over a month since the illnesses occurred, and because we are not seeing any new cases, we have decided not to investigate any further reports.

"Instead we are now concentrating our efforts on finding out more about Pontiac Fever.

"Outbreaks of this kind are not common, and it is not well understood why some people get the fever and others develop Legionnaires' disease which is why we think it is important that we understand more about the infection."