Three cases of Legionnaires’ disease in Sydney suburb

Health officials in New South Wales have warned residents and anyone who has recently visited Potts Point, an inner-city Sydney suburb, to look out for Legionnaires’ disease following an outbreak of the illness. Three individuals aged between their 40s and 70s have contracted the disease and are not related to each other. All three are currently in hospital receiving treatment. South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit Director Dr Vicky Sheppeard said people could be exposed to the bacteria causing the illness if contaminated water particles from a cooling system are emitted into the air and breathed in. Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include fever, chills, cough, and shortness of breath. In some cases, the disease may lead to severe chest infections such as pneumonia. Those most at risk are elderly people, smokers, and people with underlying health conditions.
Environmental health officers are working closely with the City of Sydney to inspect and sample all cooling towers within 500 metres of the homes of the affected residents. Managers of cooling water systems in the area of investigation have also been advised to disinfect their systems.