NSW Health Reports Six Cases of Legionnaires’ Disease in Sydney’s CBD

NSW Health has issued a public alert for Legionnaires’ disease after six cases had been reported in Sydney’s CBD.

The six individuals, who are not known to each other, have developed Legionnaires’ disease after spending time in the CBD over the last three weeks.

Anyone who has visited the CBD in the past 10 days has been asked to monitor for symptoms.

Legionnaires’ disease is not spread from person to person. However, it is caused by infection with Legionella bacteria.

According to NSW Health, outbreaks can sometimes occur when bacteria from environmental sources such as cooling towers atop large buildings become contaminated.

Six people hospitalised

South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit Director Dr Vicky Sheppeard said all six people have been admitted to hospital.

Dr Sheppeard said the source of the infection is not yet known and it is possible not all the cases are linked.

“Symptoms can develop up to 10 days after exposure and include fever, chills, a cough and shortness of breath and may lead to severe chest infections such as pneumonia,” Dr Sheppeard said.

Individuals most at risk of becoming infected with Legionnaires’ disease include elderly people, people with underlying lung or other serious health conditions, and smokers.

NSW Health is  currently working closely with the City of Sydney, reviewing maintenance records of cooling towers in the CBD area to prioritise towers to be inspected and sampled.

NSW Health has advised building owners to ensure their cooling towers are operated and maintained in compliance with the NSW Public Health Regulation 2022.

More than 100 cases of Legionnaires’ disease in Melbourne 2024 

Last year, a cluster of more than 100 cases of Legionnaires’ disease was confirmed in Melbourne.

Two people, a man in his 60s, and a woman in her 90s, died.

Government data shows that in 2024, there were 129 confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease per 100,000 people in NSW. This compares to 149 cases per 100,000 in 2023, 163 cases per 100,000 in 2022, and 78 cases per 100,000 in 2017.

The risk of Legionnaires’ disease can be reduced by ensuring the growth of Legionella bacteria in systems such as spas, hot water systems and cooling towers is controlled.

According to the Better Health Channel, people can take care to avoid exposure to the bacteria from other sources, such as potting mix and water sources in the home.

Anyone feeling unwell should seek medical advice.

For non-life-threatening health concerns, call the free service healthdirect on 1800 022 222, available 24 hours a day.

For more information on the management of water-cooling systems, contact your local public health unit online, or call 1300 066 055.