AN URGENT probe is being carried out at Basildon Hospital following a possible outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease.

Health chiefs launched the investigation after a 74-year-old patient was thought to be suffering from the bug.

The man was originally taken in for heart complications, but later moved to the hospital’s isolation unit where he remains in a serious condition.

Tests are now being conducted on a number of patients to see if they also have the bacteria.

Nicola Laver, spokeswoman for Basildon Hospital said: “We are investigating two suspected case of Legionnaires’ disease. We have in place a high level of vigilance in relation to legionella, based on advice from acknowledged experts.”