A sixth case of legionnaire’s disease has been identified in Sydney, as health authorities warn anyone who has recently been to the CBD to watch for symptoms.
The six people, including two women and four men between the ages of 40 and 70, visited places on Elizabeth Street, Clarence Street, Park Street and Martin Place 10 days before presenting with symptoms.
“All six people were admitted to hospital to treat their pneumonia, with one person now discharged,” NSW Health said.
Elizabeth Street at Sydney CBD. (Louise Kennerley)
No single source has yet been found for the cases, but tests are being carried out on cooling towers across the city.
“NSW Health environmental health officials have worked with Sydney City Council to inspect and sample 124 high-priority cooling towers in the area,” NSW Health said in a statement.
Health authorities have ordered the owners of six towers to fix the defects.
These towers have been tested to determine if they are a potential source of infection.
Health officials are investigating the cause of the legionnaire’s illness in Sydney. (AP)
NSW Health says symptoms of legionnaire’s disease, including fever, chills, coughing and difficulty breathing, can develop for up to 10 days from the time of exposure.
It can cause serious chest infections such as pneumonia and usually requires treatment with antibiotics in the hospital.
The bacterium that causes legionnaire’s disease is often associated with contaminated cooling towers of large buildings.
People can be exposed to bacteria if particles of contaminated water are released into the air through cooling systems and then inhaled.
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