Latest news with #NSWPublicHealthRegulation2022
Sky News AU
31-07-2025
- Health
- Sky News AU
Legionnaires claims life following outbreak in Potts Point as health officials continue investigation
A Legionnaires outbreak in inner-east Sydney has claimed one life and hospitalised six others since late May. Health officials are continuing to investigate the source of the disease outbreak in Potts Point. South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) along with the City of Sydney are inspecting and testing potential contaminated water sources near where the disease broke out. A man in his eighties who contracted the Legionnaires' disease in late June died from the infection. Five people have since been discharged from hospital. One remains under treatment. SESLHD Public Health Unit Director Vicky Sheppeard said Legionella bacteria has so far not been detected as investigations remain. 'The District has requested building owners disinfect their cooling towers on two occasions since the investigation began in June,' Dr Sheppeard said. 'Legionnaires' disease is caused by infection with Legionella bacteria, Outbreaks sometimes occur when bacteria from environmental sources such as cooling towers atop large buildings become contaminated. 'Legionnaires' disease is not spread from person to person.' Locals or visitors in Potts Point who develop these symptoms are advised to see a GP or visit a hospital emergency department immediately. An initial warning of the Legionnaires outbreak was issued on June 19. People can be exposed to the bacteria if contaminated water particles from a cooling system are emitted into the air and breathed in. Legionnaires' disease can develop up to ten days after exposure. Symptoms include fever, chills, a cough and shortness of breath and may lead to severe chest infections such as pneumonia. Following the outbreak the state's environmental health officers have worked closely with the City of Sydney and have inspected and sampled all cooling towers within 500 metres of the homes of residents. All managers of cooling water systems in the area of investigation have been informed to disinfect their systems. Building owners should ensure cooling towers on their sites are operated and maintained in compliance with the NSW Public Health Regulation 2022.
Sky News AU
31-07-2025
- Health
- Sky News AU
Potts Point, Sydney: Man, 86, dies and six hospitalised in Legionnaires' disease outbreak
One man has died and another six people are in hospital in a Legionnaires' disease outbreak in inner Sydney. The South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) and City of Sydney are now conducting inspections and tests of contaminated water sources in Potts Point. 'Since late May, seven Potts Point residents have been diagnosed and hospitalised with Legionnaires' disease,' a statement from SESLHD read. This includes a man in his eighties, who became unwell in late June, and has sadly died from the infection.' Six other people were hospitalised with the disease, five of which have since returned home. One person remains in hospital. 'None of the patients are known to each other, however they may have been exposed to a common source of infection in the area,' the statement read. SESLHD public health unit director Vicky Sheppeard said there had been no legionella bacteria found – which is responsible for the disease – but investigations remain ongoing. The disease, which is a severe form of pneumonia, is spread by an infection with legionella bacteria, which can sometimes be caused by contaminated cooling towers on top of large buildings. It is not spread from person to person. 'The District has requested building owners disinfect their cooling towers on two occasions since the investigation began in June,' she said. 'Outbreaks sometimes occur when bacteria from environmental sources such as cooling towers atop large buildings become contaminated.' She said symptoms can take up to 10 days to appear, and can include fever, chills, a cough and shortness of breath. 'People who have recently been in Potts Point and develop these symptoms should see their GP or go to a hospital emergency department,' she said. Not everyone that is exposed to the bacteria will become sick. Those with weakened immune systems, chronic lung conditions or disease, are smokers or older than 50 are more susceptible to the disease. Left untreated, a person may suffer respiratory failure, septic shock or acute kidney failure. Building owners have been urged to ensure their cooling towers are operated and maintained in compliance with the NSW Public Health Regulation 2022. Originally published as Man, 86, dies and six hospitalised in Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Sydney
Sky News AU
19-06-2025
- Health
- Sky News AU
Severe disease alert issued for NSW after Legionnaires' outbreak detected among people in inner-Sydney suburb
Health officials have warned locals and anyone who has visited an inner-city Sydney suburb to look out for Legionnaires' disease following an outbreak of the illness. People who have been in the area of Potts Point in the past 10 days should be aware of symptoms of the disease, which include fever, chills, a cough and shortness of breath. Three people aged between their 40s and 70s have recently developed the illness and are not known to each other. South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit Director Dr Vicky Sheppeard said all three people are now in hospital. 'People can be exposed to the bacteria if contaminated water particles from a cooling system are emitted into the air and breathed in,' Dr Sheppeard said. 'Legionnaires' disease can develop up to 10 days after exposure. Symptoms include fever, chills, a cough and shortness of breath and may lead to severe chest infections such as pneumonia. 'People who develop this disease are diagnosed by a urine or sputum test and chest X-ray and usually require antibiotic treatment in hospital. Those most at risk are elderly people, people with underlying lung or other serious health conditions, and people who smoke.' Legionnaires' disease is a form of atypical pneumonia caused by species of Legionella bacteria. It can't spread from person to person. Outbreaks can occur when bacteria from environmental sources such as cooling towers above large buildings become contaminated. The state's environmental health officers are working closely with the City of Sydney and have inspected and sampled all cooling towers within 500 metres of the homes of residents. All managers of cooling water systems in the area of investigation have been informed to disinfect their systems. Building owners should ensure cooling towers on their sites are operated and maintained in compliance with the NSW Public Health Regulation 2022.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Australia health emergency: Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Sydney's Potts Point, 3 hospitalised; symptoms and how to stay safe
Health authorities have issued a public warning after three people were hospitalized with Legionnaires' disease in the inner-city Sydney suburb of Potts Point, prompting fears of a possible airborne outbreak linked to contaminated cooling systems. The patients aged between their 40s and 70s do not know each other, yet all developed the same bacterial infection within a short period. They are now receiving treatment in the hospital, according to Dr Vicky Sheppeard, Director of the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit. 'People can be exposed to the bacteria if contaminated water particles from a cooling system are emitted into the air and breathed in,' Dr Sheppeard said. NSW Health is urging anyone who has visited or lives in Potts Point over the past 10 days to remain alert for symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, and shortness of breath, hallmark signs of Legionnaires' disease. The illness may take up to 10 days to develop after exposure. What is Legionnaires' disease? Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. It's not spread from person to person. Instead, the bacteria thrive in stagnant water systems, particularly cooling towers used in air conditioning, and spread when microscopic droplets become airborne. Live Events It is especially dangerous for older adults, smokers, and individuals with underlying lung or immune conditions. Diagnosis typically requires a chest X-ray, urine or sputum test, and hospital-based antibiotic treatment. While no source has yet been confirmed in the Potts Point outbreak, NSW Health is conducting a thorough inspection of cooling towers in the area and has reminded building owners to comply with the NSW Public Health Regulation 2022, which mandates regular maintenance and testing of cooling systems. Residents are scared Potts Point residents are understandably concerned. Jane Harris*, 66, who lives in a nearby apartment building, said she began experiencing a light cough two days ago. 'I thought it was just the weather turning. But now I'm watching every breath. It's scary, honestly,' she said. Café owner Mark Talbot*, who works a few blocks from where one case was confirmed, has ordered professional cleaners to inspect his building's ventilation. 'We can't take chances. Customers ask if it's safe to sit inside. I can't blame them,' he said. Health Advice Anyone who was in Potts Point between June 8–18 and experiences symptoms is urged to seek medical attention immediately. While treatable, delays in care can be dangerous, particularly for vulnerable populations. This is the second outbreak in Sydney this year. In a separate incident earlier in 2025, 12 people were infected and one died after exposure to the same bacteria in the city's CBD. That outbreak was eventually traced to a contaminated cooling tower, which has since been decontaminated. Sydney residents are being urged not to panic, but to remain cautious and informed. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
7NEWS
19-06-2025
- Health
- 7NEWS
Major warning over Legionnaires' disease outbreak after three Potts Points residents admitted to hospital
A major health warning has been issued after three people were hospitalised with Legionnaires' disease in NSW. Three people living in Potts Point, in central Sydney, have recently developed the disease. The people, aged in their 40s to 70s, are not known to each other. Legionnaires' disease is contracted by exposure to Legionella bacteria, and outbreaks can occur when bacteria from environmental sources such as cooling towers atop large buildings become contaminated. The disease is not spread from person to person. 'People can be exposed to the bacteria if contaminated water particles from a cooling system are emitted into the air and breathed in,' South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit Director Vicky Sheppeard said. 'Legionnaires' disease can develop up to 10 days after exposure,' Dr Sheppeard said. 'Symptoms include fever, chills, a cough and shortness of breath and may lead to severe chest infections such as pneumonia. 'People who develop this disease are diagnosed by a urine or sputum test and chest X-ray and usually require antibiotic treatment in hospital. 'Those most at risk are elderly people, people with underlying lung or other serious health conditions, and people who smoke.' NSW Health and City of Sydney have inspected and sampled all cooling towers within 500 metres of the infected residents' homes, and have requested that all cooling water systems in the broad investigation area be disinfected. 'Building owners should ensure that their cooling towers are operated and maintained in compliance with the NSW Public Health Regulation 2022,' NSW Health said. NSW Health urged anyone experiencing symptoms of illness to seek medical advice.
