Health warnings after deadly disease outbreak in Sydney suburb
Share this @internewscast.com

Anyone who has visited an inner-city Sydney suburb has been urged to look out for symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease after an outbreak of the illness.

Residents and visitors of Potts Point within the last 10 days should remain alert for any signs of the illness, such as fever, chills, cough, and difficulty breathing.

Three people from the suburb aged between their 40s and 70s have recently developed the illness and are not known to each other.

People living in or who have visited Potts Point in the past 10 days should stay vigilant for symptoms of the disease, which include a fever, chills, a cough and shortness of breath. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

All three have been admitted to hospital, the South East Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit Director, Dr Vicky Sheppeard, said.

“Exposure to the bacteria can occur if contaminated water droplets from cooling systems are released into the air and inhaled,” noted Sheppeard.

“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.”

The Legionnaires bacterium.
The illness is not spread from person to person but when bacteria from environmental sources like cooling towers become contaminated. (AP)

NSW Health has not disclosed a possible source for the outbreak.

The illness is not spread from person to person but when bacteria from environmental sources, like cooling towers, become contaminated.

NSW Health advises that building owners make sure their cooling towers are being managed and maintained according to the standards set by the NSW Public Health Regulation 2022.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Erin Patterson is on trial accused of three counts of murder and one of attempted murder.

Chronology of Key Events Leading to Erin Patterson’s Conviction

Erin Patterson has ultimately been declared guilty of three counts of murder…

“Adjusting His Aussie Accent: How Mitch Achieved Musical Success”

Mitch Thompson from country/pop act Seaforth sounds straight out of Nashville —…
A photo supplied by the kindergarten to parents show bright yellow "corn" rolls.

Chinese Kindergarten Uses Paint to Decorate Food

In northwest China, authorities have reported that over 200 kindergarten students were…
The exhibition has been five years in the making, and Tate Modern is anticipating more than 200,000 visitors during its six-month run.

Famous Indigenous Artist’s Creations Featured at Prestigious London Gallery

A major solo exhibition showcasing the works of acclaimed Aboriginal Australian artist…
Small business owners react to RBA decision

Cafe and Pub Owners Face Challenges Following Interest Rate Change

According to data from Creditor Watch, 10% of hospitality businesses have shuttered…
South Island giant moa.

Oscar Winner’s Ambition Sparks Efforts to Revive the Extinct Moa

An acclaimed filmmaker’s grumble could be the catalyst that brings a centuries-extinct…
Israeli restaurant was also targeted

Alleged Assault Charges Involving Israeli Restaurant in Melbourne

Three people have been charged after a Melbourne restaurant was damaged last…

Potential RBA Interest Rate Reduction: Implications for Australian Homeowners

The Reserve Bank of Australia is set to convene today, with most…
Attorney General Pam Bondi, front, with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, back left to right, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, speaks during a news conference at the Department of Agriculture to rollout the USDA'S National Farm Security Action Plan and discuss actions being taken to protect American agriculture from foreign threats in Washington, Tuesday, July 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Trump Criticizes Media Amidst Denial of Epstein Client List by Authorities

President Donald Trump sprang to the defense of Attorney General Pam Bondi…
Elsa the greyhound was a happy, active dog before she was poisoned in 2020.

Yvette’s Fight to Prohibit Hazardous Substance that Nearly Killed Her Dog

It was love at first sight when Yvette Colomb spotted Elsa on…
Telstra proposes mass job cuts from across the business

Telstra Plans Significant Job Reductions Across the Company

Telstra has confirmed another round of mass cuts across the business is…
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted on Monday for the second time in a month.

Volcano Eruption Causes Flight Delays in Popular Vacation Destination

Some flights between Australia and Bali have faced delays after a recent…