Legionnaires' disease

Legionnaires' Disease Alert in Sydney: What You Need to Know

Breaking news! Legionnaires' disease alert issued for Sydney after cases near University of Sydney. Stay informed!

A Legionnaires' disease alert has been raised in Sydney following the discovery of legionella bacteria in a cooling tower near Victoria Park in Camperdown, including parts of the University of Sydney Camperdown campus. NSW Health has issued a warning, urging caution to those who have been in the affected areas. This update comes after a communication to the community regarding the identification of legionella bacteria in a cooling tower at Fisher Library. The University of Sydney has confirmed the presence of Legionella bacteria in a cooling tower following three reported cases of Legionnaires' disease in the city.

The health authority in New South Wales (NSW) has taken swift action, issuing a public alert over Legionnaires' disease after the reported cases. Two men in their 60s and one woman in her 70s were diagnosed with the disease after visiting locations in Camperdown. This outbreak has sparked an urgent warning for residents and visitors in the affected areas, emphasizing the importance of awareness and precautions.

Interesting Fact: Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by inhalation of aerosolized water containing the Legionella bacteria. Symptoms include high fever, cough, and muscle aches.

Did You Know: Legionella bacteria thrive in warm water environments, such as cooling towers, hot tubs, and plumbing systems? Regular maintenance and monitoring of these systems are crucial in preventing the spread of the bacteria and potential outbreaks.