NSW Health warning after six Legionnaires’ cases confirmed

NSW Health has issued a public warning for individuals who have recently visited the Sydney CBD, urging them to remain vigilant for symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease.

NSW Health has issued a public warning for individuals who recently visited Sydney’s CBD, urging them to remain vigilant for symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease.

This alert follows the hospitalisation of six individuals, all of whom developed the disease after spending time in the area over the past three weeks.

Caused by Legionella bacteria, Legionnaires’ disease is not transmitted from person-to-person, instead it is spread through aerosols.

Symptoms can appear up to 10 days after exposure and include fever, chills, cough, and shortness of breath, potentially leading to severe chest infections like pneumonia.

Director of the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit, Dr Vicky Sheppeard, confirmed that the source of the infection remains unidentified, and not all cases may be linked.

Dr Vicky Sheppeard has confirmed cases. Picture: Jonathan Ng

“People are exposed if contaminated water particles from a cooling system are in the air and then breathed in,” she said.

“Those most at risk include elderly people, people with underlying lung or other serious health conditions, and smokers.”

Emergency sign at St Vincent’s Hospital in Darlinghurst. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

In response, NSW Health is collaborating with the City of Sydney to review and prioritise inspections of cooling towers in the CBD, ensuring compliance with the NSW Public Health Regulation 2022.

Building owners are urged to maintain their cooling towers according to regulatory standards to prevent further outbreaks.

As investigations continue, NSW Health advises anyone who experiences symptoms after visiting the Sydney CBD to seek medical attention promptly.