Health authorities have issued a warning after six people were hospitalised with Legionnaires’ disease following visits to Sydney’s Central Business District (CBD) over the past three weeks. NSW Health is urging anyone who has been in the area within the last 10 days to remain vigilant for symptoms of the potentially life-threatening infection.
Understanding Legionnaires’ Disease
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by inhaling aerosolised water droplets containing Legionella pneumophila bacteria. It does not spread from person to person, but can be contracted by breathing in contaminated water vapour from sources such as cooling towers, air conditioning systems, or fountains.
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Symptoms usually appear two to ten days after exposure and include:
High fever
Chills
Cough
Shortness of breath
Dr Vicky Sheppeard, Director of the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit, confirmed that all six individuals had spent time in Sydney’s CBD during their likely exposure period.
Official Response and Source Investigation
Cooling Towers Under Scrutiny
NSW Health is currently working with the City of Sydney to inspect and test cooling towers, which are commonly associated with outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease when improperly maintained.
“When we see a cluster of new infections like this, we often find that there’s a cooling tower that is contaminated with the bacteria,” said Dr Sheppeard. “We’re actively taking steps to identify that tower and have it cleaned so other people don’t become ill.”
Public Health Measures in Place
Building owners have been reminded to maintain cooling towers in accordance with public health regulations to prevent further infections. These preventive measures include:
Routine inspection and disinfection
Compliance with water safety management standards
Immediate reporting of Legionella detections
Rising Cases and Uncertain Causes
The recent outbreak in Sydney aligns with a broader trend of increasing Legionnaires’ disease cases both in Australia and globally over the past three decades. According to researchers like Dr Michael Taylor in Adelaide, environmental factors may play a role, but the exact cause of the rise remains uncertain.
More than 500,000 people work in Sydney’s CBD, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, meaning even small outbreaks can pose significant public health risks.
What to Do If You Experience Symptoms
Anyone who has been in Sydney’s CBD in the last 10 days and experiences flu-like symptoms is advised to:
Seek medical attention
Get tested for Legionella infection
Begin treatment early to reduce complications
Early intervention is critical, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, smokers, and individuals with chronic lung conditions or weakened immune systems.
Conclusion: Community Cooperation Is Key
With six confirmed cases already hospitalised, health officials emphasize that community awareness and prompt action are crucial. NSW Health continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as more information becomes available from ongoing investigations.
