Legionnaires' Disease Alert for New Year's Eve Crowds in Sydney

Health authorities in New South Wales have alerted the public to a cluster of Legionnaires' disease cases identified in Sydney's central business district. Seven individuals, including three women and four men aged between 20 and 70, were hospitalized with pneumonia after visiting areas within the CBD, specifically between Bathurst Street, Sussex Street, Elizabeth Street, and Circular Quay. The legionella bacteria, responsible for the disease, are commonly linked to contaminated cooling towers and cannot be transmitted from person to person.

Symptoms of the disease, such as fever, chills, cough, and shortness of breath, can develop up to ten days after exposure and can escalate to serious conditions like pneumonia. The disease poses a higher risk to individuals with underlying lung conditions, other serious health conditions, and smokers. NSW Health is advising anyone who has been in the Sydney CBD since Christmas Eve or in the past ten days to be vigilant for symptoms.

In response to the outbreak, environmental health officers are collaborating with the City of Sydney Council to inspect cooling towers in the affected areas. A review of cooling tower maintenance records is underway to identify and inspect additional towers that might need attention. Public health units are closely monitoring the situation to manage and contain the outbreak.