TEST results received today (Friday) have confirmed that the type of Legionella found at the HP Bulmer site at Plough Lane, Hereford, is scientifically consistent with the samples taken from patients confirmed as having contracted Legionnaires' Disease during the recent outbreak in Herefordshire.
The total number of cases remains at 24 with nine people still in hospital.
Dr Brian McCloskey, regional head of the Health Protection Agency, said: ''The results of samples taken from patients and the site at Bulmers are indistinguishable as far as it can proved scientifically. Together with the outcome of the mapping exercise that has been conducted in parallel with the testing, this supports the view that Bulmers was the source of the recent outbreak in Hereford.''
Dr Mike Deakin, director of public health, welcomed the news saying these results support out belief that the source of the outbreak in Hereford has been identified and eradicated. Further cases would not be unexpected due to the incubation period of Legionella, he added, and GPs have been asked to continue being vigilant.
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