Authorities were quick to close down a wellness shop near Bournemouth after nine people were hospitalised due to an unconfirmed outbreak of the potentially fatal Legionella infection. Of the 14 people taken ill, following a visit to the Healax Salt Caves and Spa in Kindon, Doreset, nine had been treated in hospital and responded well. Almost 40 other people, who visited the spa during a two week period in June, also reported symptoms of the Legionella infection but the presence of the bug had not been confirmed by subsequent laboratory testing. The Healax Salt Caves invited visitors to relax in its salt chambers and soak with up to 11 other people at a time, in a wooden hot tub that uses highly concentrated salt water – although visitors were urged not to put their head under the water. A spokesman for Public Health England said that in conjunction with environmental health officers from Bournemouth Council and Public Health Dorset action had been taken to ensure that there was no further danger to the public.
