Legionnaires' Disease In Essex
Hospital bosses in Essex have tried to reassure patients after it was confirmed two people had contracted Legionnaires' disease.
The two patients were staying in different areas at Basildon University Hospital, which has been criticised for an unusually high death rate and poor hygiene standards, when symptoms of the disease began to show.
Both patients have received antibiotics but one remains in a critical condition, a hospital spokeswoman said.
Hospital chief executive Alan Whittle said: "We have continued to be vigilant and no further suspected cases have been identified.
"Based on the results of laboratory tests of water samples, we accept that the hospital is the probable source of the infection, despite our determined efforts to minimise the known risks of legionella.
"We do take the legionella risk extremely seriously. We test any patient with suspicious respiratory problems and we regularly test our water system for the bacteria."
Mr Whittle added: "I would like to take this opportunity to reassure patients that the hospital is safe and the risk of contracting Legionnaires' disease is extremely low."
The last outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease at the hospital was in 2007.
Copyright © Press Association 2010