2 days ago
Australia health emergency: Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Sydney's Potts Point, 3 hospitalised; symptoms and how to stay safe
Health authorities have issued a public warning after three people were hospitalized with Legionnaires' disease in the inner-city
Sydney
suburb of Potts Point, prompting fears of a possible airborne outbreak linked to contaminated cooling systems.
The patients aged between their 40s and 70s do not know each other, yet all developed the same bacterial infection within a short period. They are now receiving treatment in the hospital, according to Dr Vicky Sheppeard, Director of the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit.
'People can be exposed to the bacteria if contaminated water particles from a cooling system are emitted into the air and breathed in,' Dr Sheppeard said.
NSW Health
is urging anyone who has visited or lives in Potts Point over the past 10 days to remain alert for symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, and shortness of breath, hallmark signs of Legionnaires' disease. The illness may take up to 10 days to develop after exposure.
What is Legionnaires' disease?
Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of
pneumonia
caused by
Legionella
bacteria. It's not spread from person to person. Instead, the bacteria thrive in stagnant water systems, particularly cooling towers used in air conditioning, and spread when microscopic droplets become airborne.
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It is especially dangerous for older adults, smokers, and individuals with underlying lung or immune conditions. Diagnosis typically requires a chest X-ray, urine or sputum test, and hospital-based antibiotic treatment.
While no source has yet been confirmed in the Potts Point outbreak, NSW Health is conducting a thorough inspection of cooling towers in the area and has reminded building owners to comply with the NSW Public Health Regulation 2022, which mandates regular maintenance and testing of cooling systems.
Residents are scared
Potts Point residents are understandably concerned. Jane Harris*, 66, who lives in a nearby apartment building, said she began experiencing a light cough two days ago. 'I thought it was just the weather turning. But now I'm watching every breath. It's scary, honestly,' she said.
Café owner Mark Talbot*, who works a few blocks from where one case was confirmed, has ordered professional cleaners to inspect his building's ventilation. 'We can't take chances. Customers ask if it's safe to sit inside. I can't blame them,' he said.
Health Advice
Anyone who was in Potts Point between June 8–18 and experiences symptoms is urged to seek medical attention immediately. While treatable, delays in care can be dangerous, particularly for vulnerable populations.
This is the second outbreak in Sydney this year. In a separate incident earlier in 2025, 12 people were infected and one died after exposure to the same bacteria in the city's CBD. That outbreak was eventually traced to a contaminated cooling tower, which has since been decontaminated.
Sydney residents are being urged not to panic, but to remain cautious and informed.
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