COUNCILS have joined forces in a bid to help protect businesses against an outbreak of Legionnaires Disease.

And the move has been welcomed by the East Lancashire's consultant in charge of promoting healthy living.

Legionnaires Disease is a type of pneumonia which can prove fatal in those who are particularly vulnerable such as the elderly, those with chronic illness and those with a low immune system because of smoking. In East Lancashire there are usually about four cases a year but nationally the disease affects up to 250 people each year.

The environment sections of Lancashire's local authorities have decided to target it in the wake of a fatal outbreak in Barrow-in-Furness.

Dr John Astbury, East Lancashire consultant in health protection for the Health Protection Agency said: "We have not had any cases for six months but from our point of view what the councils are doing is a welcome move.

"It has shown to be a problem, in particular in larger buildings in the past, so promoting preventative measures is a good thing."

Research shows Legionella, the bacteria that causes Legionnaires Disease, grows in warm, wet environments, such as those found in air conditioning systems that use water cooling towers, as well as where water is evaporated. Larger buildings are particularly susceptible.

It can also be found in hot water systems where the water is not kept at a high enough temperature, such as residential and nursing homes, where water at sinks and showers must not be too hot to avoid scalding elderly and infirm residents.

Legionella can also occur in any system that produces fine water droplets, such as spa and whirlpool baths, humidifiers and air washers, shower heads, sprinkler and hose reels, vehicle washes, indoor fountains and water features.

East Lancashire councils are advising businesses to take simple steps, such as the disinfecting of water systems, to ensure that their premises are properly maintained and free of the disease.

Ribble Valley Borough Council senior environmental health officer Eamonn Roberts said: "The elderly are particularly at risk from Legionnaires Disease and there have been a number of deaths from it in recent years. We are therefore working particularly closely with residential homes to ensure that risks to residents are adequately controlled."