Legionnaires Disease in downtown Sydney, Australia

Four people who spent time in the Town Hall area (Central Business District) in Sydney have been hospitalized with Legionnaires Disease. Health authorities are advising anyone who spent time in area and who develops symptoms such as fever, chills, a cough and shortness of breath should seek medical care at once.

Advice

Legionnaires Disease usually occurs following exposure to warm water aerosols since the bacteria are inhaled through water droplets in water sprays or mists. Exposure can occur in or around hot tubs, showers, or from air conditioning systems in buildings with poorly maintained cooling towers.

Travellers who develop serious respiratory symptoms after being in air conditioned buildings or other environments that generate sprays in the outbreak area should seek medical care as soon as possible.