Potts Point Legionnaires’ disease outbreak claimed one life as health authorities continue investigation

One person has died and six others have been hospitalised following a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Potts Point.

Health authorities are continuing to investigate the source of a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Potts Point, which has claimed one life and hospitalised six others since late May.

South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) and the City of Sydney are conducting inspections and testing of potential contaminated water sources in the area visited by people recently diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease in Potts Point.

Seven people have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, including a man in his eighties who fell ill in late June and later died from the infection.

Five of the other affected individuals have since been discharged from hospital, while one remains under treatment.

Authorities confirmed that the patients do not know each other but may have been exposed to a common environmental source.

SESLHD Public Health Unit Director Vicky Sheppeard, said with no Legionella bacteria detected so far the investigations are ongoing.

“The District has requested building owners disinfect their cooling towers on two occasions since the investigation began in June,” Dr Sheppeard said.

“Legionnaires’ disease is caused by infection with Legionella bacteria, Outbreaks sometimes occur when bacteria from environmental sources such as cooling towers atop large buildings become contaminated.”

“Legionnaires’ disease is not spread from person to person.”

Symptoms can appear up to 10 days after exposure and include fever, chills, coughing and shortness of breath. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia.

Residents or visitors to Potts Point who develop these symptoms are urged to see a doctor or visit a hospital emergency department.

Building owners are reminded to ensure their cooling towers are operated and maintained in accordance with the NSW Public Health Regulation 2022 to prevent further risk of infection.

Originally published as Potts Point Legionnaires’ disease outbreak claimed one life as health authorities continue investigation