Sydney’s central business district faces a growing health crisis as a second person has tragically died from an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease, with three more individuals currently hospitalized.
NSW Health has confirmed that around a dozen people who were in or near the CBD during March and April have contracted this severe bacterial infection. Legionnaires’ disease, a dangerous form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, is often linked to contaminated water systems such as air conditioning cooling towers.
“A patient who contracted the disease sadly passed away in hospital last week,” a NSW Health spokesperson revealed.
Among those hospitalized are three unrelated residents from Potts Point, aged between their 40s and 70s, who fell ill in recent weeks.
An extensive investigation is underway, with over 165 cooling towers across Sydney inspected. Legionella bacteria was detected in one tower currently undergoing thorough cleaning, though further testing is needed to confirm if it is the outbreak’s source.
Local businesses have been urged to immediately disinfect their water cooling systems — including cooling towers, spas, hot water tanks, and air conditioning units — to prevent further spread.
Dr. Vicky Sheppeard, Director of the Public Health Unit at South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, emphasized that Legionnaires’ disease does not spread from person to person.
“Outbreaks typically arise when environmental sources such as cooling towers become contaminated with the bacteria,” Dr. Sheppeard explained.
Symptoms, which usually develop 2 to 10 days after exposure, include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and muscle aches. Though treatable with antibiotics, the disease can be fatal if medical attention is delayed.
Those most vulnerable include people over 50, individuals with weakened immune systems, smokers, and those with chronic health conditions like diabetes, cancer, or lung disease.
NSW Health urges anyone who was in Sydney’s CBD during March and April and is experiencing symptoms to seek medical care immediately.
Alarmingly, one patient contracted the disease while simply driving through Circular Quay — highlighting how easily the bacteria can spread through inhaling contaminated water droplets.
This outbreak echoes a similar event in Melbourne last August, where more than 100 cases were reported and two people lost their lives after a cooling tower was identified as the source.
