People in the UK have been warned about a potentially fatal health condition that thrives during the summertime.
Now that the weather is getting warmer, it's the ideal time to get outside and enjoy the sunshine - whether that's having a dip in a pool or hot tub, or getting some much-needed work done in the garden.
However, there are some dangerous germs that thrive in locations such as taps, hosepipes and damp garden potting compost, and coming into contact with them can cause a serious lung infection.
The Mirror reports that Legionnaires' disease is a condition caused by inhaling tiny droplets of water that contain Legionella bacteria.
It can thrive in hot tubs, taps, shower heads, and even some gardening equipment like watering cans, sprinklers and hosepipes.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are urging people to take extra care after a company experienced a huge outbreak of the disease, and were forced to pay a hefty fine.
Riaar Plastics Limited, a West Bromwich manufacturing company, was fined £50,000 and made to pay £11,000 costs earlier this month.
The dangerous Legionella bacteria had been found in the company's pipes and water cooling towers, leaving employees and members of the public exposed to it.
This resulted in five people falling ill, with one person even being rushed to intensive care.
HSE principal inspector Jenny Skeldon warned: “The condition of the cooling towers at this site was the worst I had ever seen. The Legionella exposure risk to employees, site visitors, neighbouring duty holders and members of the public was extreme in nature.
“Exposure to Legionella can cause death or serious illness where water cooling systems are not been managed effectively. It is really important that proactive management of the risk from Legionella bacteria is taken seriously.
"There are well publicised and simple precautions for companies to take, and if followed, will ensure that employers manage and control the risk.”
The first symptoms of Legionnaire's disease are similar to that of the flue, such as headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, high temperature and chills.
But when the harmful bacteria reaches your lungs, something similar to pneumonia is experienced, including symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain and persistent coughing.
To try and prevent the spread of Legionnaires’ disease, make sure disinfectant is used in hot tubs, taps and similar areas where it might originate from.
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