AN outbreak of Legionnaires has been confirmed on the Fylde coast.
The Health Protection Agency today said it has called in specialist medical investigators after three people were diagnosed with the deadly disease.
Two people from Fleetwood are battling the illness, while a third, also from the Fylde coast, has been diagnosed, although the HPA has not revealed where they are from.
Two of the victims are being treated at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. One is described as "fairly stable", while the third is recovering at home.
The patients have not been identified.
The news of the three cases comes after Karen Ann Taylor died in hospital after becoming ill with Legionnaires following a stay at Blackpool holiday camp Pontin's.
>> What are the symptoms of Legionnaires?Hugh Lamont, spokesman for the HPA, said: "Three sporadic cases of Legionnaires' disease have been confirmed on the Fylde coast.
"There is no obvious link between them but because they have all come about on the Fylde coast in a close period of time we are looking into them as a precaution to see if there is any link."
Blackpool Victoria Hospital today said it was monitoring the situation closely.
David Witcherley, on-call manager at the hospital, said: "We've got two patients in the hospital who have Legionnaires' disease.
"One is fairly stable and the other is making progress."
"The Health Protection Agency is investigating and we will be meeting with them today.
No quarantine areas are needed at the hospital and there is no danger to other patients.
Mrs Taylor, 53, from the West Midlands, was diagnosed with Legionnaires after returning from holiday in the resort in July.
She was later admitted to Selly Oak Hospital, where she spent several weeks.
An inquest has been opened and Lancashire Police has launched an investigation into her death.
Pontin's has been co-operating with the HPA and the police with separate investigations.
Legionnaires Disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia. It can affect anyone, but often strikes those susceptible because of age, illness, smoking and other conditions that weaken the lungs.
