A man aged in his 50s is said to be in a stable condition.

Three patients, who contracted the disease, were discharged from hospital on Wednesday bringing the total number of people allowed to return home to eight.

On Monday tests confirmed that legionella bacteria was present at the Bulmers cider plant in Hereford, less than a week ago.

The bacteria was identified in a cooling tower at the company's Plough Lane factory.

Traders' concerns

The Health Protection Agency, said that despite the discovery it could not be certain the HP Bulmer site was responsible for the outbreak.

Herefordshire Council has tried to reassure vistors to the city about safety after traders voiced concerns that shoppers were staying away.

Andy Tector, the authority's head of Environmental Health and Trading Standards, said: "We can understand people's concerns - Legionella is a serious disease.

"The rigorous testing, cleansing and ongoing re-testing programme means that we're confident that Hereford city centre is one of the safest places to visit," he said.

"We've not stopped in our efforts to detect the source of the outbreak and, even though we have a likely source, testing is continuing to ensure there is no further risk."