FURTHER victims of the Legionnaire's outbreak are unaware that they have already been infected with the disease, health officials said today.
Because all air cooling systems in Hereford - thought to be the source of the outbreak - have been inspected and disinfected, there are unlikely to be fresh infections of the potentially fatal bug.
However, Hereford NHS Primary Care Trust is expecting more Legionnaire's patients to be diagnosed because the disease has an incubation period of up to three weeks.
The number of victims of the Legionnaire's outbreak has remained constant since the biggest increase yet over the weekend. The total currently stands at 22 confirmed cases.
On Friday, the figure stood at 15 after a woman in her 90s was diagnosed, but by noon on Sunday seven more cases were confirmed, the largest rise since the outbreak began more than a week ago.
"Vigorous efforts to identify the source of the outbreak continue," said a Herefordshire NHS Primary Care Trust spokeswoman.
"Businesses across Hereford have inspected and disinfected their air cooling systems, thus reducing the risk."
So far, a man in his 70s has died and a man in his 40s has recovered and been discharged.
The remaining patients are said to be stable.
The Green Centre in Dines Green, and changing rooms at King George V Playing Fields, Brickfields, both in Worcester, are expecting to hear today whether they can re-open after Legionella bacteria was found at both sites a week ago.
Pipework has now been replaced.
A 24-hour advice hotline is available on 01785 231011.
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