Anyone who has visited Sydney Central Business District(CBD) in the last ten days is instructed to monitor for symptoms of the potentially life-threatening Legionnaires' disease after six individuals were diagnosed.
Legionnaires' disease is a critical kind of pneumonia that develops once a bacteria, known as Legionella pneumophila (Legionella), severely infects the lungs.
Notably, the diseases spread through the aerosols instead of person to person contact.
New South Wales Health South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit director Vicky Sheppeard stated, that the six cases "have a common factor of being in the Sydney CBD during their exposure period"
Those individuals who were in the CBD in the last ten days are urged to monitor any symptoms that include fever, chills, a cough, and dyspnea.
If someone has already developed symptoms during this period are urged to visit their doctor to get tested and proper treatment.
Investigation is underway
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that more than 50,000 individuals are working in the CBD area.
Outbreaks often occur when bacteria from cooling towers in big buildings become contaminated.
Dr Sheppeard further stated that NSW Health was interrogating cooling towers in the city.
NSW Health has strongly advised building owners in the city to ensure their cooling towers are operated by safety and health guidelines.
