Health alert issued on Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Sydney
Australian health authorities are urging hundreds of thousands of people in Sydney to watch for symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease following an outbreak that has hospitalized at least six people. The cases are linked to Sydney’s city center, though the source remains unidentified.
New South Wales Health warns anyone who visited the area in the past 10 days to be alert for signs like fever, chills, cough, or shortness of breath. The disease can cause severe lung infections such as pneumonia and is most dangerous for older adults and people with existing health conditions.
Legionnaires’ disease spreads through airborne water droplets, often from poorly maintained cooling towers. It’s not contagious between people but has a mortality rate around 10%.
According to Mayo Clinic, Legionnaires’ disease is a serious pneumonia caused by the legionella bacteria, usually spread through inhaling contaminated water or soil. Older adults, smokers, and those with weak immune systems are most at risk. The bacteria can also cause Pontiac fever, a milder, flu-like illness that resolves on its own. While antibiotics can cure Legionnaires’ disease, complications may persist after treatment.
Authorities are inspecting and testing cooling systems in the area. The warning comes after a separate outbreak in Melbourne last August infected over 100 people and led to two deaths.
Health officials are advising prompt medical attention for anyone experiencing symptoms.
Category: Health alert
