An unconfirmed number of guests at the Marvel Hotel in El Vendrell have contracted Legionnaire's Disease, a spokesman for the provincial Health department announced yesterday.

The hotel has been closed down while inspectors attempt to confirm the cause of the outbreak.

It seems, however, that there is no immediate risk to the general public, as it has been confirmed that the source lies in the hotel's internal plumbing network and not the air-conditioning system.

Inspectors are focusing their attention on the 'spa' and 'wellness' facilities.