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SYDNEY, April 17 – A significant Legionnaires’ disease outbreak linked to central Sydney has resulted in one death and twelve confirmed infections, the New South Wales (NSW) Department of Health reported on Thursday.
Health officials confirmed that the number of diagnosed cases has doubled since April 10, rising from six to twelve.2 All infected individuals reportedly spent time in the central Sydney area between March 13 and April 5.
Tragically, one of the twelve confirmed patients succumbed to the illness while hospitalized.4 The remaining eleven individuals have also required hospital treatment for the severe lung infection.
In response to the outbreak, NSW Health issued an urgent warning on Thursday. They advise anyone who visited central Sydney and its surrounding areas during late March or early April to be acutely aware of potential symptoms. These include fever, chills, coughing, and shortness of breath, which can manifest up to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria.
Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria, naturally present in freshwater environments. “Outbreaks sometimes occur when bacteria from environmental sources such as cooling towers atop large buildings become contaminated,” explained Vicky Sheppeard, Director of the Southeast Sydney Local Public Health Unit.
Transmission typically occurs when individuals inhale microscopic water droplets contaminated with the bacteria.Older adults, smokers, and those with compromised immune systems face a higher risk of contracting the disease. The World Health Organisation notes that mortality rates can be particularly high, reaching up to 80 percent, in untreated patients with weakened immune systems. While primarily a lung infection, Legionella can occasionally affect other parts of the body.
A related, milder illness known as Pontiac fever, also caused by Legionella, presents with flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches, but does not infect the lungs and usually resolves within two to five days.
An intensive investigation is underway to pinpoint the source of the outbreak. “NSW Health continues to work closely with the City of Sydney to identify, inspect and sample any cooling towers in the CBD potentially implicated in the outbreak,” Sheppeard stated. To date, investigators have inspected and tested over 165 cooling towers in the central business district.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on information provided from a specific source dated April 17th. Details regarding the outbreak, including case numbers and investigation status, may have changed since the source material was published. For the most current information, please refer to official statements from NSW Health or other relevant authorities.
