INSPECTORS who uncovered killer spores in a water tank of a Medway factory narrowly averted a deadly outbreak of Legionnaires Disease.

A routine inspection found the dangerous bacteria thriving in the industrial factory's water tank.

The bacteria were sent for tests to establish what they were before urgent measures were put in place to eradicate the killer germs.

Water access points were cordoned off and all of the 150 workforce were warned not to use any of the water.

Hygiene specialists Elate were called to the scene and they chlorinated and neutralised the water and carried out a series of further checks before giving the all clear.

It is believed the water tank provided an ideal breeding ground for the bacteria as it stored too much water.

Peter Rogers, a director at Elate, says more factories and offices could have the bacteria in their water and air conditioning systems.

"I firmly believe that more cases will arise through perhaps ignorance and being too reactive, especially as natural water resources continue to deplete in this area," he said.

"We expect there to be so many undiscovered cases in this region but no-one will react until it's too late.

"Some tanks provide an ideal place for the bacteria to grow as some store too much water and it can become stagnated.

"You can't actually contract the disease by drinking contaminated water but you will if you breathe in airborne spores which are present in steam and cooling systems."

Legionnaires' disease is most often contracted by inhaling mist from water sources such as whirlpool baths, showers, and cooling towers that are contaminated with Legionella bacteria.

Anything from 5 to 15 per cent of the people who get the disease die and it can only be treated with doses of anti biotics.

No one in the Medway factory contracted Legionnaires and after two hours the water supply had been declared fit for use.