A POTENTIALLY fatal bug that can lead to Legionnaire's Disease has been found at a fire station in Bolton.

During a monthly routine test of the water systems at Farnworth fire station, minute traces of legionella bacterium, which can lead to legionnaire's disease, were found in the hot water system.

None of the fire station staff suffered any ill effects, according to a Greater Manchester Fire Service spokesman and the water system has now been decontaminated. Samples of legionella bacterium were also found at Rochdale fire station.

Fire chiefs ensured the hot water supply was isolated and banned firefighters from taking showers while treatment was carried out over an eight hour period last Friday.

The bacteria was only found in the hot water systems.

Cold and drinking water supplies were not affected.

All personnel who may have used the facilities are being contacted by fire chiefs and being made fully aware of the situation and being given information and advice.

The spokesman said: "Two firefighters were concerned enough to have tests but that was in Rochdale.

"No-one in Farnworth suffered any ill effects."

Firefighters were told to look out for flu-like symptoms such as weak muscles and loss of energy.

Assistant County Fire Officer John Judd said: "There is no reason for people to Farnworth and Rochdale to be concerned." Legionella bacterium is contracted from inhaling water vapour that contains the bacteria, for instance if someone is in a shower and inhales mist off the water.

It can also be contracted through drinking water containing the organism.

Legionella causes a more serious form of pneumonia.

The infection was first noticed on a large scale whenever severe cases of pneumonia were found in patients who had attended a Legionnaire's conference in Philadelphia in 1976.