Urgent warning: Deadly disease spreads in Sydney, three people hospitalised
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Sydney is currently grappling with an outbreak of a deadly disease known as Legionnaires' disease.
This alarming situation has already resulted in three hospitalisations, and health officials have urged the public to be vigilant.
The three individuals affected, two men in their 60s and a woman in her 70s, had all visited locations surrounding Victoria Park in Camperdown.
They were admitted to the hospital and have since been released.
However, the incident has raised concerns about the potential for further spread of the disease.
Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the bacterium Legionella.
It is not spread from person to person but can be contracted by inhaling small droplets of water containing the bacteria.
This can occur when contaminated water from cooling systems, hot tubs, or fountains is released into the air.
Dr Isabel Hess, Sydney Local Health District Deputy Clinical Director of Public Health, has issued a public warning about the disease.
'Legionnaires' disease is not spread from person to person,' Dr Hess explained.
'Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease can develop up to 10 days from the time of exposure to contaminated water particles in the air and 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 often require antibiotic treatment in hospital.'
'Those most at risk are people with underlying lung or other serious health conditions and people who smoke.'
In response to the outbreak, NSW Health has directed that cooling towers throughout the area be disinfected and cleaned as a precaution.
One tower at the Camperdown campus of the University of Sydney tested positive for low levels of Legionella bacteria and has since been decontaminated.
Those who experience the following symptoms have been advised to seek medical attention immediately.
In late 2023, New South Wales Health Executive Director Dr Jeremy McAnulty also warned avid gardeners about the potentially devastating consequences of contact with Legionella bacteria.
He warned that the bacteria can multiply in a bagged potting mix.
Dr McAnulty has urged gardeners to read and follow the manufacturer's warnings when handling potting mix, mulch and compost.
You can read more about this here.
Have you or someone you know ever been affected by Legionnaires' disease? Share your stories and tips on how to stay safe below.
This alarming situation has already resulted in three hospitalisations, and health officials have urged the public to be vigilant.
The three individuals affected, two men in their 60s and a woman in her 70s, had all visited locations surrounding Victoria Park in Camperdown.
They were admitted to the hospital and have since been released.
However, the incident has raised concerns about the potential for further spread of the disease.
Three individuals who visited locations surrounding Victoria Park have been diagnosed with Legionnaire’s disease. Image source: Katherine Griffiths, City of Sydney.
Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the bacterium Legionella.
It is not spread from person to person but can be contracted by inhaling small droplets of water containing the bacteria.
This can occur when contaminated water from cooling systems, hot tubs, or fountains is released into the air.
Dr Isabel Hess, Sydney Local Health District Deputy Clinical Director of Public Health, has issued a public warning about the disease.
'Legionnaires' disease is not spread from person to person,' Dr Hess explained.
'Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease can develop up to 10 days from the time of exposure to contaminated water particles in the air and 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 often require antibiotic treatment in hospital.'
'Those most at risk are people with underlying lung or other serious health conditions and people who smoke.'
In response to the outbreak, NSW Health has directed that cooling towers throughout the area be disinfected and cleaned as a precaution.
One tower at the Camperdown campus of the University of Sydney tested positive for low levels of Legionella bacteria and has since been decontaminated.
Those who experience the following symptoms have been advised to seek medical attention immediately.
In late 2023, New South Wales Health Executive Director Dr Jeremy McAnulty also warned avid gardeners about the potentially devastating consequences of contact with Legionella bacteria.
He warned that the bacteria can multiply in a bagged potting mix.
Dr McAnulty has urged gardeners to read and follow the manufacturer's warnings when handling potting mix, mulch and compost.
You can read more about this here.
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how sad is that. My husband always wears a mask and gloves when using potting mix.
