Fatal Legionnaires’ outbreak in Potts Point: One dead, six hospitalised as cooling towers investigated

Health authorities are urgently working to pinpoint the source of a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Potts Point that has left one man dead and sent six others to hospital.

The South Eastern Sydney Local Health District has confirmed the death of a man in his 80s who became unwell in late June and succumbed to the infection.

Five others have been discharged from hospital, and one person remains in care.

The cases, which date back to late May, appear unrelated on the surface, with no known links between the individuals.

Authorities believe the patients may have been exposed to a common environmental source in Potts Point, potentially through contaminated cooling towers, a known trigger for Legionnaires’ outbreaks.

“While no Legionella bacteria have been found so far, investigations are continuing,” said SESLHD Public Health Director Dr Vicky Sheppeard.

“The District has requested building owners disinfect their cooling towers on two occasions since the investigation began in June.”

“Legionnaires’ disease is caused by infection with Legionella bacteria. Outbreaks sometimes occur when environmental sources such as cooling towers atop large buildings become contaminated with bacteria. Legionnaires’ disease is not spread from person to person.

“Symptoms can develop up to 10 days after exposure and include fever, chills, a cough and shortness of breath and may lead to severe pneumonia”, Dr Sheppeard said.

Older adults, particularly men over 50, are most at risk. The World Health Organisation notes that untreated Legionnaires’ often progresses within a week and can lead to respiratory failure or multi-organ collapse.

Dr Sheppeard urged anyone who has recently visited Potts Point and is experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention immediately.

Building owners have been reminded to comply with the NSW Public Health Regulation 2022 to ensure cooling towers are safely maintained.