Latest news with #NSWHealth
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
One dead after legionnaires' outbreak
One person has died following an outbreak of legionnaires' disease in Sydney's CBD prompting authorities to issue a health alert. NSW Health said 12 people who spent time in the city and surrounding suburbs between March and April had contracted the deadly disease. 'Sadly, one of the people who contracted the disease passed away in hospital last week,' a NSW Health spokesman said on Wednesday. Authorities tested more than 165 cooling towers in the city and detected legionella bacteria in one. The cooling tower is being decontaminated and further tests are being conducted to determine if it was the source of the outbreak. Anyone who was in the Sydney CBD and surrounding suburbs between March and April is urged to be aware of symptoms including fever, chills, coughing and shortness of breath. Symptoms can develop up to 10 days after exposure and anyone who experiences symptoms should see their doctor. South Eastern Sydney Local Heath District Public Health Unit Director Vicky Sheppeard said 11 people with the disease had been hospitalised and one person received care out of hospital. 'Legionnaires' disease is caused by infection with legionella bacteria,' Dr Sheppeard said. 'Outbreaks sometimes occur when bacteria from environmental sources such as cooling towers atop large buildings become contaminated. It is not spread from person to person. 'NSW Health continues to work closely with the City of Sydney to identify, inspect and sample any cooling towers in the CBD potentially implicated in the outbreak. 'Most building owners have responded quickly to ensure that their cooling towers are operated and maintained in compliance with the NSW Public Health Regulation 2022.'
Sky News AU
18 hours ago
- Health
- Sky News AU
Travellers at Sydney international arrivals urged to check for measles symptoms after confirmed case of highly-infectious disease on Vietnam Airlines flight
Travellers have been urged to check for symptoms of measles after a confirmed case flew into Sydney from South East Asia while infectious this week. The alert is for those who visited Sydney Kingsford Smith's international arrivals and baggage claim area on Monday June 16 between 8am and 9.30am. Passengers who were on board Vietnam Airlines Flight VN773, which departed Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday June 15 at 8pm, arriving to the Harbour City the following morning at 8am, are also told to be on the lookout for any signs of the highly-contagious disease. Symptoms include fever, cough and a runny nose, which is then followed by a distinct rash that spreads from the face to the rest of the body three to four days later. The confirmed case had travelled to Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia. Despite the locations no longer posing a threat to the pubic, those who visited those areas, or have been in contact with people who have, should be alert for measles signs. "It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it's important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms up until 4 July 2025," Dr Mitchell Smith, from NSW Health, said in a statement. 'It's important for people to stay vigilant if they've been exposed, and if they develop symptoms, to please call ahead to their GP or emergency department to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients." He also urged people to stay up to date with vaccines, especially for measles. In particular, those born after 1965 need to have two doses of a measles vaccine. "This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment," Dr Smith added. Anyone experiencing measles symptoms can also call healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Urgent warning as disease hits major city
An urgent health warning has been issued for people in an inner Sydney suburb amid several confirmed cases of legionnaires' disease. Three people from Potts Point, aged between their 40s and 70s and unknown to one another, have contracted the disease, NSW Health have confirmed. NSW Health is advising anyone who visited the Potts Point area between June 8 and June 18 to be vigilant and monitor symptoms of the disease. Legionnaires' disease is a lung infection caused by the legionella bacteria, and can trigger symptoms including a fever, chills, a cough and shortness of breath. Without treatment, the disease can be fatal. The disease is not spread person to person and can sometimes be caused by environmental sources such as a cooling tower atop a large building, which can become contaminated by the bacteria. South Eastern Sydney local health district public health unit director Vicky Sheppeard said all three of those who contracted the disease have been admitted to hospital. '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. 'Legionnaires' disease can develop up to 10 days after exposure. 'Symptoms 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 usually require antibiotic treatment in hospital. 'Those most at risk are elderly people, people with underlying lung or other serious health conditions, and people who smoke.' NSW Health confirmed they were working alongside the City of Sydney and have completed samples of all cooling towers with a 500m radius of the resident's homes. All managers of cooling water systems have been urged to disinfect their systems. 'Building owners should ensure that their cooling towers are operated and maintained in compliance with the NSW Public Health Regulation 2022,' a statement read. The outbreak comes after a previous outbreak of Legionnaires' disease between March and April this year, which infected 12 people and left one dead. NSW Health confirmed 11 were hospitalised during the outbreak and another was treated out of the hospital. All of those infected had spent time in the Sydney CBD between March 13 and April 5. In April, a man in his 50s died from the infection after contracting the disease nearly a month earlier.
The Advertiser
a day ago
- Health
- The Advertiser
'Concerning': COVID and flu cases rising, as NSW Health issues warning
COVID cases have risen by 22 per cent and influenza cases by 32 per cent in a week in Hunter New England, health data shows. "The upswing in COVID has come at the same time as influenza is on the rise," a NSW Health statement said. COVID cases had increased since early May. "Concerningly, the rate with the largest increase is in people aged 90 and over," the statement said. The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report, released on Thursday, said "COVID and influenza vaccinations are especially important at this time for people who are at risk of severe disease". The report showed weekly counts of unplanned emergency department presentations for COVID had spiked to about 400 statewide. Hospital admissions had risen to more than 100. For influenza-like illness, these figures were about 500 and less than 100 respectively. In NSW, 3475 people in NSW tested positive for COVID in the week ending June 14. This was a 10 per cent rise on the previous week. "Most people with COVID do not test for the virus, so the latest figures represent a small proportion of all people who have the virus," the statement said. Dr Jeremy McAnulty, of Health Protection NSW, said COVID was "circulating at moderate levels in the community and is likely to increase". "While most people have already received their primary course of COVID vaccinations, we're urging people - especially those aged 65 and over - to get a booster to protect themselves," Dr McAnulty said. "Boosters are recommended for people 75 and older every six months, and those 65 and older at least every 12 months. "COVID is a serious illness and can cause hospitalisation and death, especially in people who are older, have other risk factors or are immunocompromised." He said people with COVID aged 70 and older, or those with other risk factors, were "eligible for a course of antivirals, which can prevent serious illness" if taken early enough. "These people should make a plan with their doctor about what to do if they do get sick, including what test to take, and how to access antivirals quickly." The Newcastle Herald reported last month that the Hunter's health network recorded 882 COVID deaths from 2019 to 2023. The data, which included New England and Central Coast, was similar to flu and pneumonia (829) and liver disease (863). Canadian research, published in Nature Communications this month, examined frequent COVID vaccination in vulnerable people. The report said there had been concerns that repeated boosters may contribute to "T-cell exhaustion", which could "negatively affect the quality of immune protection". T-cells help protect the body from infection. The study found repeated COVID vaccination was "not associated with increased T-cell exhaustion in older frail adults, immunosuppressed individuals or healthy adults". University of Melbourne research, released this week, said "catching common respiratory viruses raises your short-term risk of a heart attack or stroke". "Common viruses, such as those that cause flu and COVID, can trigger them," the study said, adding that vaccination could help reduce this. COVID cases have risen by 22 per cent and influenza cases by 32 per cent in a week in Hunter New England, health data shows. "The upswing in COVID has come at the same time as influenza is on the rise," a NSW Health statement said. COVID cases had increased since early May. "Concerningly, the rate with the largest increase is in people aged 90 and over," the statement said. The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report, released on Thursday, said "COVID and influenza vaccinations are especially important at this time for people who are at risk of severe disease". The report showed weekly counts of unplanned emergency department presentations for COVID had spiked to about 400 statewide. Hospital admissions had risen to more than 100. For influenza-like illness, these figures were about 500 and less than 100 respectively. In NSW, 3475 people in NSW tested positive for COVID in the week ending June 14. This was a 10 per cent rise on the previous week. "Most people with COVID do not test for the virus, so the latest figures represent a small proportion of all people who have the virus," the statement said. Dr Jeremy McAnulty, of Health Protection NSW, said COVID was "circulating at moderate levels in the community and is likely to increase". "While most people have already received their primary course of COVID vaccinations, we're urging people - especially those aged 65 and over - to get a booster to protect themselves," Dr McAnulty said. "Boosters are recommended for people 75 and older every six months, and those 65 and older at least every 12 months. "COVID is a serious illness and can cause hospitalisation and death, especially in people who are older, have other risk factors or are immunocompromised." He said people with COVID aged 70 and older, or those with other risk factors, were "eligible for a course of antivirals, which can prevent serious illness" if taken early enough. "These people should make a plan with their doctor about what to do if they do get sick, including what test to take, and how to access antivirals quickly." The Newcastle Herald reported last month that the Hunter's health network recorded 882 COVID deaths from 2019 to 2023. The data, which included New England and Central Coast, was similar to flu and pneumonia (829) and liver disease (863). Canadian research, published in Nature Communications this month, examined frequent COVID vaccination in vulnerable people. The report said there had been concerns that repeated boosters may contribute to "T-cell exhaustion", which could "negatively affect the quality of immune protection". T-cells help protect the body from infection. The study found repeated COVID vaccination was "not associated with increased T-cell exhaustion in older frail adults, immunosuppressed individuals or healthy adults". University of Melbourne research, released this week, said "catching common respiratory viruses raises your short-term risk of a heart attack or stroke". "Common viruses, such as those that cause flu and COVID, can trigger them," the study said, adding that vaccination could help reduce this. COVID cases have risen by 22 per cent and influenza cases by 32 per cent in a week in Hunter New England, health data shows. "The upswing in COVID has come at the same time as influenza is on the rise," a NSW Health statement said. COVID cases had increased since early May. "Concerningly, the rate with the largest increase is in people aged 90 and over," the statement said. The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report, released on Thursday, said "COVID and influenza vaccinations are especially important at this time for people who are at risk of severe disease". The report showed weekly counts of unplanned emergency department presentations for COVID had spiked to about 400 statewide. Hospital admissions had risen to more than 100. For influenza-like illness, these figures were about 500 and less than 100 respectively. In NSW, 3475 people in NSW tested positive for COVID in the week ending June 14. This was a 10 per cent rise on the previous week. "Most people with COVID do not test for the virus, so the latest figures represent a small proportion of all people who have the virus," the statement said. Dr Jeremy McAnulty, of Health Protection NSW, said COVID was "circulating at moderate levels in the community and is likely to increase". "While most people have already received their primary course of COVID vaccinations, we're urging people - especially those aged 65 and over - to get a booster to protect themselves," Dr McAnulty said. "Boosters are recommended for people 75 and older every six months, and those 65 and older at least every 12 months. "COVID is a serious illness and can cause hospitalisation and death, especially in people who are older, have other risk factors or are immunocompromised." He said people with COVID aged 70 and older, or those with other risk factors, were "eligible for a course of antivirals, which can prevent serious illness" if taken early enough. "These people should make a plan with their doctor about what to do if they do get sick, including what test to take, and how to access antivirals quickly." The Newcastle Herald reported last month that the Hunter's health network recorded 882 COVID deaths from 2019 to 2023. The data, which included New England and Central Coast, was similar to flu and pneumonia (829) and liver disease (863). Canadian research, published in Nature Communications this month, examined frequent COVID vaccination in vulnerable people. The report said there had been concerns that repeated boosters may contribute to "T-cell exhaustion", which could "negatively affect the quality of immune protection". T-cells help protect the body from infection. The study found repeated COVID vaccination was "not associated with increased T-cell exhaustion in older frail adults, immunosuppressed individuals or healthy adults". University of Melbourne research, released this week, said "catching common respiratory viruses raises your short-term risk of a heart attack or stroke". "Common viruses, such as those that cause flu and COVID, can trigger them," the study said, adding that vaccination could help reduce this. COVID cases have risen by 22 per cent and influenza cases by 32 per cent in a week in Hunter New England, health data shows. "The upswing in COVID has come at the same time as influenza is on the rise," a NSW Health statement said. COVID cases had increased since early May. "Concerningly, the rate with the largest increase is in people aged 90 and over," the statement said. The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report, released on Thursday, said "COVID and influenza vaccinations are especially important at this time for people who are at risk of severe disease". The report showed weekly counts of unplanned emergency department presentations for COVID had spiked to about 400 statewide. Hospital admissions had risen to more than 100. For influenza-like illness, these figures were about 500 and less than 100 respectively. In NSW, 3475 people in NSW tested positive for COVID in the week ending June 14. This was a 10 per cent rise on the previous week. "Most people with COVID do not test for the virus, so the latest figures represent a small proportion of all people who have the virus," the statement said. Dr Jeremy McAnulty, of Health Protection NSW, said COVID was "circulating at moderate levels in the community and is likely to increase". "While most people have already received their primary course of COVID vaccinations, we're urging people - especially those aged 65 and over - to get a booster to protect themselves," Dr McAnulty said. "Boosters are recommended for people 75 and older every six months, and those 65 and older at least every 12 months. "COVID is a serious illness and can cause hospitalisation and death, especially in people who are older, have other risk factors or are immunocompromised." He said people with COVID aged 70 and older, or those with other risk factors, were "eligible for a course of antivirals, which can prevent serious illness" if taken early enough. "These people should make a plan with their doctor about what to do if they do get sick, including what test to take, and how to access antivirals quickly." The Newcastle Herald reported last month that the Hunter's health network recorded 882 COVID deaths from 2019 to 2023. The data, which included New England and Central Coast, was similar to flu and pneumonia (829) and liver disease (863). Canadian research, published in Nature Communications this month, examined frequent COVID vaccination in vulnerable people. The report said there had been concerns that repeated boosters may contribute to "T-cell exhaustion", which could "negatively affect the quality of immune protection". T-cells help protect the body from infection. The study found repeated COVID vaccination was "not associated with increased T-cell exhaustion in older frail adults, immunosuppressed individuals or healthy adults". University of Melbourne research, released this week, said "catching common respiratory viruses raises your short-term risk of a heart attack or stroke". "Common viruses, such as those that cause flu and COVID, can trigger them," the study said, adding that vaccination could help reduce this.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Chilling letter sent to 1200 Sydney families
More than one thousand families in Sydney have been sent a chilling letter about a man who worked with children being charged with criminal offences. The man, who worked with children in Sydney's northern suburbs and the CBD, was charged by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in October last year in relation to alleged criminal activity that allegedly involved a 'very small number of children'. The AFP said the man remains in custody and poses no threat to children. His identity, place of work and alleged victims associated have been suppressed under strict non-publication orders. Under strict conditions of the Royal Commission and in accordance with the Joint Child Protection Response Program, NSW Police and the AFP, in partnership with NSW Health, NSW Department of Communities and Justice, NSW Department of Education and Training, the Office of the Children's Guardian, have begun to notify families. Letters have been distributed to 1200 families and carers who may have come into contact with the man, even if they were not one of the alleged victims. 'Based on information currently available, investigators believe the alleged behaviour of the man involves a very small number of children, however, the parents and carers of any child who may have had contact with the man has received a letter,' an AFP statement read. The letter contains important information about the investigation and provides information regarding health and support services available to those who need it. 'The letter provides instructions on how to contact a local hotline if parents or carers have concerns about their child,' the statement read. Those who receive the letters are asked to read the information carefully and thoroughly. If further assistance is required, the families and carers can contact the local hotlines as per the instructions.
