EMPLOYERS across East Lancashire are being urged to be extra vigilant following the outbreak of Legionnaires' Disease in Cumbria.

Two people have died and more than 100 cases of the pneumonia-type condition have been confirmed, including a woman from Burnley, since the start of the outbreak in Barrow last week.

It is thought to have centred around the air-conditioning unit at a council-run leisure centre and an official has been suspended while investigations continue.

Some sufferers have been treated at Chorley Hospital to relieve the strain on hospital beds in Cumbria.

Blackburn with Darwen Council officers have activated an action plan in a bid to reduce the risk of the potentially fatal illness striking in the area.

Meanwhile, Ribble Valley Council held a seminar explaining to hotel and rest homes bosses the dangers of the disease.

Coun Maureen Bateson, Blackburn with Darwen Council's executive member for citizens' rights and consumer affairs, said: "Following the outbreak in Barrow, officers from this council instituted an action plan to reduce the risk of a legionella outbreak.

"We have sent letters and information to the 34 premises who are currently on our Cooling Towers and Evaporating Condensers Register. The letter reminds businesses of their duties and the precautions they should take to minimise the risk of a legionella outbreak."

She added: "Our officers will inspect nearly 1,000 premises this year, some of which will have water systems which require special treatment to control legionella. When our officers inspect premises which are at risk, they ensure that employers comply with their legal duties."

The council also publishes information on its website.

Ribble Valley Borough Council chiefs coincidentally held a Legionnaires' Disease seminar in the council chamber in Clitheroe this week for the proprietors of hotels and residential care homes. It was arranged two months ago.

David Morris, the council's chief executive, said today: "The control of this deadly bacteria in air-conditioning units and hot-and-cold water systems must be a high priority for businesses to prevent the disastrous consequence of an outbreak, as we have sadly seen at Barrow."

A spokesperson for Hyndburn Council said officers would continue to carry out their normal inspections.

Legionnaires' Disease is caused by breathing in small droplets of water contaminated by the legionella bacteria. It cannot be passed from one person to another. Legionella are widespread in the environment and can contaminate and grow in water systems.

A free advisory booklet, entitled Legionnaires' Disease -- A Guide for Employers, is available free of charge from council offices.