Six people have been hospitalised with Legionnaires’ disease after recently spending time in the Sydney CBD, prompting a public health alert for the area.
Health Alert Following Hospitalisations
NSW Health issued the warning after confirming the six cases. The individuals who did not know each other visited parts of the city centre over the last three weeks before falling ill.
South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit Director, Dr Vicky Sheppeard, confirmed that all six individuals required hospital admission. Health authorities are now asking anyone in the Sydney CBD within the past 10 days to be aware of potential symptoms and seek medical advice if they feel unwell.
About Legionnaires’ Disease and Its Risks
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious lung infection caused by Legionella bacteria. The illness cannot be passed from person to person. Instead, people get infected by breathing in fine water droplets or dust containing the bacteria.
NSW Health indicates that outbreaks can happen when environmental sources, particularly cooling towers on top of large buildings, become contaminated with the bacteria.
Dr Sheppeard explained that symptoms might take up to ten days to appear following exposure to the bacteria. These typically include fever, chills, coughing, and difficulty breathing, potentially progressing to serious chest infections like pneumonia. Certain groups face a higher risk of infection, including older people, smokers, and individuals with existing lung problems or other serious health conditions.
Authorities Investigate Potential Sources
The exact source of the recent infections is still under investigation. Dr Sheppeard noted that the origin of the infections remains unknown, and it is possible the cases are not all connected to a single source.
NSW Health collaborates closely with City of Sydney officials to identify the cause. This work involves checking the maintenance records of cooling towers throughout the CBD to determine which ones require priority inspection and testing. NSW Health also reminds building owners to ensure their cooling towers are properly maintained and operated according to the NSW Public Health Regulation 2022.
Prevention and Health Advice
Controlling the growth of Legionella bacteria in water systems like cooling towers, spa pools, and hot water systems is key to preventing the disease. People can also reduce their risk by being careful around other potential sources, such as potting mix and certain home water sources.
This outbreak follows a significant cluster of over 100 Legionnaires’ cases in Melbourne last year, which sadly resulted in two deaths. Government data indicates that NSW recorded 129 confirmed cases per 100,000 people so far in 2024.
Anyone experiencing potential symptoms should contact their doctor or seek medical advice. For health concerns that are not emergencies, the public can call the free Health Direct service anytime at 1800 022 222. For details on managing water-cooling systems, local public health units can be contacted online or by calling 1300 066 055.
Published Date 21-April-2025
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