Fatality and 12 Infections Reported in Sydney's Legionnaires' Disease Outbreak
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Synopsis
A recent outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in central Sydney has led to one death and 12 confirmed infections, according to the NSW Department of Health. Those affected spent time in the area from March 13 to April 5, with symptoms developing up to 10 days post-exposure.
Key Takeaways
- One fatality confirmed in Sydney outbreak.
- 12 cases of Legionnaires’ disease reported.
- Symptoms include fever, chills, cough, and shortness of breath.
- Legionella bacteria can be found in cooling towers.
- Collaboration with City of Sydney ongoing to investigate sources.
Sydney, April 17 (NationPress) A fatality has occurred and 12 individuals have been infected due to an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease linked to central Sydney, as reported by the Department of Health in the Australian state of New South Wales on Thursday.
Currently, there are 12 confirmed cases of Legionnaires' disease among individuals who visited central Sydney between March 13 and April 5. This number has risen from six cases reported by April 10, according to the department.
It was indicated that one of the confirmed cases has unfortunately died in the hospital. Out of the 12 reported cases, 11 have required hospitalization for treatment.
On Thursday, NSW Health advised anyone who spent time in central Sydney and nearby areas during late March or early April to be vigilant for symptoms of Legionnaires' disease, which include fever, chills, cough, and shortness of breath.
Legionnaires' disease is a type of pneumonia caused by infection with Legionella bacteria, which naturally occur in fresh water. According to NSW Health, symptoms may develop up to 10 days post-exposure, reported Xinhua news agency.
“Outbreaks can happen when bacteria from environmental sources, such as cooling towers on large buildings, become contaminated,” stated Vicky Sheppeard, director of the southeast Sydney local public health unit.
“NSW Health is actively collaborating with the City of Sydney to identify, inspect, and test any cooling towers in the CBD that may be linked to the outbreak. So far, over 165 cooling towers have been inspected and tested,” she added.
As per the World Health Organisation, the mortality rate for Legionnaires' disease can reach as high as 80 percent in untreated immunocompromised patients.
Most individuals contract Legionnaires' disease by inhaling bacteria from water or soil. The elderly, smokers, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk.
Although Legionnaires' disease chiefly impacts the lungs, it can occasionally lead to infections in wounds and other body areas, including the heart.
A milder form of Legionnaires' disease—known as Pontiac fever—can cause fever, chills, headaches, and muscle aches. Pontiac fever does not infect the lungs, and symptoms generally resolve within two to five days.
