Legionnaires' disease outbreak has been announced in Stoke-on-Trent. In all, 21 persons have been diagnosed with the disease and two others have already died.

The Health Protection Agency has told that it is a high time now that they should take a step against the disease. This is the reason that they have been taking out investigations at varied places and the JTF Warehouse is thought to be the main culprit in the incident.

"It can take up to two weeks following exposure for people to develop symptoms of Legionnaires' disease and a further few days before they might see their GP", said spokeswoman from HPA.

Dr. Sue Ibbotson, who is Regional Director of HPA from West Midlands, said it is not the first time when such issues have come forth. He further affirmed that if one would check the past medical records of the city then they would get to know that Legionnaires' disease has attacked the city before as well.

Samples have been taken from the hot tub of JTF Warehouse, which is in Fenton, and it has been confirmed that the water was contaminated with the bacteria of Legionnaires' disease. Cleaning action is expected from the company.