LONDON, Aug 7: Britain is gripped by fear of a deadly epidemic Legionnaires’ bacteria that has already killed at least one person, sparking a worldwide plea for those displaying symptoms to consult a doctor immediately.

Doctors say thousands of people have been exposed to the deadly disease and a hospital in Cumbria where the source of the disease has been traced, is dealing with 51 of the confirmed and suspected cases.

The suspect airconditioning system behind the outbreak has a vent that directed infected steam into a narrow lane in the centre of the Cumbrian town used by hundreds of shoppers every day.

With many people leaving the town by boat and others heading abroad or around the UK on holiday, there is concern that victims could be spread over a vast area.