Legionella bacteria has been discovered in Powys at Llandrindod Wells Hospital and has also affected residents in Carmarthen.
Carmarthen residents have been warned to be on the lookout for symptoms of potentially fatal Legionnaires’ disease after an outbreak in the town, reported the South Wales Evening Post.
Public Health Wales and Carmarthenshire Council’s Environmental Health Department are investigating after three cases, all with links to Carmarthen, were uncovered.
All have been admitted to hospital as a result of their illness, but have since been discharged.
The source of the outbreak is currently unknown, and investigations are on-going.
Legionnaires’ disease is contracted by breathing in droplets from contaminated water sources — it cannot be caught from another person.
Information has been circulated to GPs and hospitals in the area to advise them to be alert to the symptoms.
Legionella bacteria can live in all types of water, but only become a risk to health when the water temperature allows the bacteria to multiply rapidly.
The bacteria was also discovered at Llandrindod Wells Hospital in Powys following concerns over water quality.
The BBC reported that the hospital’s water system has been flushed through after part was found to contain legionella, the bacteria which can cause Legionnaires’ disease.
Bottled water was used for washing until the water system was cleaned through on Friday.
Powys Teaching Health Board said there had been no reported cases of anyone being affected by the bacterium so far.