Monitor for symptoms: Health warning issued after Sydney outbreak of Legionnaires' disease
Health authorities are investigating another potential outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in Sydney's inner city after three Potts Point residents developed the severe lung infection, which is caused by waterborne bacteria.
Anyone who has been in the Potts Point area in the past 10 days should monitor for symptoms which include fever, chills, and shortness of breath, NSW Health said in an alert issued on Thursday.
The three people who contracted the infection ranged in age from their 40s to 70s, and do not know each other.
All three have been admitted to hospital, said Dr Vicky Sheppeard from South East Sydney Local Health District.
'Those most at risk are elderly people, people with underlying lung or other serious health conditions, and people who smoke,' Sheppeard said.
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The disease is caused by infection by the Legionella bacteria. It cannot spread from person to person, but people can be exposed to the bacteria if contaminated water particles from a cooling system, such as those found on top of large buildings, are emitted into the air and inhaled.
NSW Health environmental officers and the City of Sydney inspected and sampled all cooling towers within 500 metres of the residents' homes. They have also asked local businesses and building managers to disinfect their water cooling systems.
The disease can develop up to 10 days from first exposure, and can lead to severe chest infections and pneumonia. It is diagnosed by a urine or sputum test and chest X-ray, and usually requires antibiotic treatment in hospital.
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