One person from Essex and one from Hertfordshire are now recovering at home, a spokesman for Essex NHS Strategic Health Authority said on Wednesday night.

The two patients who were admitted two weeks ago to Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, and diagnosed as having Legionnaire's disease.

Despite extensive investigations and tests on sites in the Harlow area, no common source has been identified to link the two cases.

No link

The presence of legionella bacteria was discovered at one of the sites, but no conclusive link was discovered to prove this was the cause of infection in either of the two cases.

The legionella bacteria was eliminated through disinfection and this has removed any possible health risk, say officials.

The team leading the investigation will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Local doctors have been advised to remain alert to any suspicion of further cases.