Health authorities in New South Wales have issued an urgent public warning following the confirmation of a fourth case of Legionnaires' disease linked to Sydney's central business district.
Outbreak Linked to Clarence Street Precinct
The South Eastern Sydney Local Health District confirmed that four individuals, who are not known to each other, developed the serious bacterial pneumonia after spending time in the vicinity of Clarence Street near Wynyard between December 9 and December 18. All four patients have required hospital admission and are receiving specialist medical care.
Urgent Call for Vigilance and Maintenance
NSW Health is urging anyone who was in the affected area to monitor closely for symptoms, which can take up to 10 days to appear. The health district has also directed a critical message to building managers across the CBD.
"Building managers in Sydney CBD are urged to ensure their cooling towers are properly maintained and to follow urgent directions from NSW Health and the City of Sydney," the official health alert stated. Environmental health officers are currently assessing cooling water systems in the area to locate the potential source of the Legionella bacteria.
How Infection Spreads and Who is at Risk
Dr Vicky Sheppeard, Public Health Unit director for the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, explained the transmission path. "People are exposed if contaminated water particles from a cooling system are in the air and then breathed in," Dr Sheppeard said.
It is crucial to note that Legionnaires' disease is not contagious from person to person. Outbreaks typically stem from environmental sources like contaminated water in cooling towers or air conditioning systems of large buildings.
The symptoms to watch for include:
- Fever and chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
These can progress to severe chest infections like pneumonia. Elderly people, smokers, and individuals with underlying lung conditions or weakened immune systems are at highest risk of severe illness.
What to Do If You Feel Unwell
Health officials strongly advise anyone who develops these symptoms and who was in the Clarence Street area during the specified dates to seek immediate medical attention. Contact your GP or local hospital and inform them of your potential exposure to Legionella bacteria. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital for recovery.
