A sixth case of Legionnaire’s disease has arisen in Sydney. All cases have spent time in the CBD area.
A sixth case of legionnaire’s disease has been identified in Sydney, with authorities urging anyone who has been to the CBD to watch for symptoms.
The two women and four men diagnosed, aged between 40 and 70, visited places between Elizabeth St, Clarence St, Park St and Martin Place for the previous 10 days to experience symptoms.
All six cases have been treated at the hospital for their pneumonia, with one person now discharged.
NSW Health continues to advise people who have been in the Sydney CBD area for the past two weeks to be alert to symptoms.
No single source of the cases has been identified, and the cases may not be related, authorities said.
Legionnaires’ disease is often associated with contaminated cooling towers in large buildings.
People can be exposed to bacteria if contaminated water particles are emitted from the air cooling system and inhaled.
Environmental health workers have worked with Sydney City Council to inspect and sample 124 high-priority cooling towers in the area.
In addition, the owners of six towers have been instructed to take immediate action to correct the defects detected.
Results of microbial samples are expected later this week to determine if any of these towers are a potential source of infection.
Symptoms of the disease can develop up to 10 days after exposure to airborne particles and include fever, chills, cough, and difficulty breathing. It can also cause serious chest infections such as pneumonia.
People who develop legionnaire’s disease are diagnosed with a chest x-ray and a urine test and usually require antibiotic treatment at the hospital.
The disease cannot be transmitted from person to person.
Building owners must ensure that their cooling towers are in good condition and comply with the requirements of the 2012 Public Health Regulations.
Read related topics: Sydney