Legionnaires' disease is spread by water droplets

Tests carried out on a cooling tower at the firm's Plough Lane site have come back suggesting the presence of the Legionella bug.

The results, which have still to be confirmed, came on the day the number of people found to have contracted the illness in the city rose to 12, including two elderly people who died.

Bulmers said there was no direct evidence linking the outbreak to the company and said there was no risk to the public from drinking its products.

Investigations continue

The tests were carried out at the cider firm by environmental health officers at Herefordshire Council, who have identified all premises with systems that could potentially disperse the bacteria.

Over the last few days, they have sampled all of these sites and recommended preventative treatment.

We would remind everyone that Legionnaires' disease cannot be passed from person to person and it is safe to visit Hereford Dr Mike Deakin Public health director

The authority said more tests were being carried out to try to find out whether the Legionella is present at Bulmers.

But it said that, even if Legionella was confirmed, it did not necessarily link Bulmers to the current outbreak.

Andrew Tector, head of environmental health, said: "It's important to note that the process to identify the confirmed source of the outbreak continues, and premises are still being visited across Hereford city centre and further afield in a bid to eliminate other potential sources."

Dr Mike Deakin, county public health director said: "The possible identification of a potential source does not change our approach.

"Investigations will continue and our advice to people in Herefordshire does not change.

"We would remind everyone that Legionnaires' disease cannot be passed from person to person and it is safe to visit Hereford."

Bulmers said it was co-operating fully with the task force investigating the outbreak in Hereford.

Most of the victims are being treated at Hereford County Hospital

The firm said its fruit processing plant had been closed as a result of the samples taken from the cooling tower.

It said this was only a precautionary measure.

Bulmers said all its cooling towers were regularly checked - most recently on 4 November, when no trace of Legionella was found.

The firm said it was a sample taken by the council last Friday that tested positive.

It is known the outbreak started at least five weeks ago.

Three new cases of Legionnaires' were confirmed on Wednesday, bringing the total number to 12.

Health officials said all the new sufferers were in a stable condition.

Two people in their 70s, from Hereford, died during the outbreak.