NSW Health is reminding building owners to ensure cooling towers are properly maintained following an increase in the number of Legionnaires’ disease cases across Greater Sydney in December and January.
Director of Health Protection at NSW Health, Richard Broome said 17 cases of Legionnaires’ disease were notified across Sydney and in the Illawarra in January, but no specific source was identified.
Dr Broome said there was often an increase in the number of cases towards the end of summer when the weather cooled down and the use of air conditioning systems started to change, but this year the increase had been larger than normal.
“Legionnaires’ disease is caused by Legionella pneumophila bacteria and can cause severe respiratory symptoms,” Dr Broome said.
“Outbreaks have been linked to contaminated air conditioning plants in large buildings,” he said.
“The disease does not spread from person-to-person.”
Dr Broome said building owners were required to conduct monthly tests on cooling towers and notify high levels of Legionella and other bacteria to local councils under the Public Health Regulation 2012.
He said symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease could be similar to those of COVID-19 and included fever, chills, a cough and shortness of breath.
“Legionnaires’ disease may lead to severe chest infections such as pneumonia,” he said.
“If you have tested negative for COVID-19 but have ongoing or worsening symptoms, you should see your doctor or visit your local emergency department,” Dr Broome said.
