HEALTH bosses have linked five cases of Legionnaire's Disease to the Renfrew area.
Two more cases of the infection have been confirmed by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
The health board said all five cases had some connection to the town, but it was still working to identify the source of the infection.
Water cooling towers in the area are being treated with chemicals that kill the Legionella bacteria as a precautionary measure.
Water samples have also been taken, but the results will not be known for some time because of the complex nature of the tests.
Legionella cannot be spread from person to person. The bacteria is spread through aerosols produced from water, such as water cooling towers, air conditioning and showers.
Residents in and around Renfrew are advised to continue to drink water and prepare food in the normal way.
The health board said it was working closely with Renfrewshire Council to investigate possible sources of the infection.
The two new cases are being treated in hospital and are responding well to treatment.
Two of the other patients have recovered and been discharged and the third is responding well to treatment and remains in a stable condition in hospital.
Dr Gillian Penrice, the health board's consultant in public health, said: "So far, Renfrew appears to be the only common factor we have identified between the cases.
"We are focusing our further investigations in this area for any possible sources of the disease."
"We are working closely with our partners in Renfrewshire Council, other local authorities, the Health and Safety Executive and Health Protection Scotland to investigate possible sources.
"These investigations include visiting all water cooling towers within a six kilometre radius of the homes of the Renfrew cases. This follows national guidance on the investigation of such cases.
"As a precautionary measure to prevent any possible further cases, water cooling towers in these areas are being treated with chemicals that kill the Legionella bacteria. Samples are also being taken. "
caroline.wilson@ eveningtimes.co.uk
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