Three more cases of Legionnaires' disease identified, bringing number of patients linked to Sydney CBD outbreak to eight

Health authorities have identified three more people who have contracted Legionnaires' disease in the Sydney CBD.

NSW Health today said two new cases and a third from December had recently been identified, bringing the total number of patients from the outbreak to eight. 

Three patients previously diagnosed with the disease have recovered, while two more remain in hospital.  

Health officials believe the disease may have been contracted from air conditioning systems in central Sydney.

An initial search area concentrated on the Druitt, Market, Sussex and Pitt Street area of the city, which the health department has now expanded further to include Elizabeth Street.

NSW Health is urging anyone who has visited the Town Hall area and has symptoms such as fever, chills, a cough and shortness of breath to see their doctor.

WHAT IS LEGIONNAIRES' DISEASE?

A type of pneumonia caused by a bacterial infection of the lungs.

HOW DO YOU GET IT?

Exposure to legionella bacteria. There are two common types in NSW, one is usually found in air conditioning cooling towers and the other in soil.

It's not spread from person to person.

WHO IS AT RISK?

Middle-aged and older people, particularly smokers or people with chronic lung disease.

SYMPTOMS:

Fever, chills, a dry cough and shortness of breath. Some people also have muscle aches, headaches, tiredness, loss of appetite and diarrhoea.

TREATMENT:

Antibiotics.

PROGNOSIS:

Most people recover, but it can occasionally be fatal.

PREVENTION:

Regular inspection, disinfection and maintenance of cooling towers and plumbing systems. Reduce exposure to potting mix dust by wearing gloves and a mask.

Source: NSW Health