Sydney is on high alert after a deadly outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease has struck the harbourside, leaving one man in his 80s dead and six others hospitalised.

For our Seniors Discount Club community, this is a timely reminder to stay vigilant about your health and to know the facts about this potentially fatal illness.

With investigations underway to trace the source, health authorities are urging the public to remain cautious, particularly those in higher-risk age groups.


Since May, seven people aged between 45 and 95 have been hospitalised with Legionnaires’ disease after spending time in Potts Point.

Tragically, one elderly man who became infected in late June has since passed away. Of the remaining patients, one is still in the hospital, while the others are recovering.


What’s particularly concerning is that none of the affected individuals are known to each other, suggesting a common environmental source rather than person-to-person transmission.

Health authorities are now racing to identify and contain the source of the outbreak.

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria.


These bacteria are naturally found in freshwater environments like rivers, lakes, and creeks, but they can also thrive in artificial water systems, such as cooling towers on top of buildings, air conditioning units, hot water tanks, and even decorative fountains.

When people breathe in tiny droplets of water contaminated with Legionella, they can develop the disease.

It’s important to note that Legionnaires’ is not spread from person to person, so you can’t catch it from someone who’s already ill.

The tricky thing about Legionnaires’ disease is that its symptoms can look a lot like the flu or other types of pneumonia.

The illness typically appears two to ten days after exposure. Symptoms may include high fever and chills, severe headache, cough (either dry or with phlegm), shortness of breath, muscle aches, loss of appetite, and in some cases, confusion or gastrointestinal issues.


If you or someone you know has recently been in Potts Point and starts to feel unwell with these symptoms, don’t wait, see your GP or head to the emergency department straight away.

Early treatment with antibiotics can make a big difference.

The South Eastern Sydney Local Health District is currently inspecting and testing water sources in Potts Point, focusing on cooling towers and other potential breeding grounds for Legionella.

Building owners have been asked—twice—to disinfect their cooling towers as a precaution, even though no Legionella bacteria have been detected so far.

Authorities are also urging all building owners to ensure their cooling towers are properly maintained and compliant with health regulations.

This is crucial, as poorly maintained systems are a known risk factor for outbreaks.


While Legionnaires’ disease can affect anyone, older adults—especially those over 60—are at higher risk of severe illness.

People with chronic lung conditions, weakened immune systems, or underlying health issues are also more vulnerable.

That’s why it’s so important for our community to be aware and proactive.

This isn’t the first time Sydney has faced a Legionnaires’ scare. Earlier this year, twelve people fell ill after visiting the CBD, and a man in his 50s with underlying health conditions sadly died.

These repeated outbreaks highlight the ongoing need for vigilance and proper maintenance of water systems in public and private buildings.
Have you or someone you know ever been affected by Legionnaires’ disease? Are you concerned about outbreaks like this in your area? What steps do you take to stay healthy during times of increased risk? Share your thoughts, experiences, and tips in the comments below.

Read more: Department of Health sounds alarm over Legionnaires' disease outbreak