Aussie dies after being infected with dangerous disease – as new cases continue to emerge after major outbreak in Sydney’s CBD
A person has died in hospital with Legionnaires’ disease after contracting the dangerous illness in Sydney’s CBD last month.
NSW Health said there were now 12 confirmed cases of the deadly disease, all in people who spent time in the Sydney CBD between March 13 and April 5.
‘Sadly, one of the people who contracted the disease passed away in hospital last week,’ the department said in a statement.
.NSW Health expresses its sincere condolences to their loved ones.’
Legionella bacteria, which causes the disease, has been found in a cooling tower in Sydney.
The tower is being decontaminated and health authorities are working to determine if it is the source of the outbreak.
Anyone who was in Sydney CBD in late March or early April is being urged to monitor their health for symptoms of the disease.
The illness can take up to 10 days to develop, with symptoms including fever, chills and shortness of breath.
A person has died in hospital with Legionnaires’ disease after contracting the dangerous illness in Sydney’s CBD last month (Legionella Pneumophila bacteria is pictured)
NSW Health said there were now 12 confirmed cases of the deadly disease, all in people who spent time in the Sydney CBD between March 13 and April 5
It is generally not spread from person to person – most people are infected after they have inhaled microscopic water droplets containing the legionella bacteria.
Infections can be caused by the spray from a shower, tap, jacuzzi, decorative fountain and water feature, or water from the ventilation system in a large building.
The main treatment for the disease is antibiotic therapy, which should be started as soon as possible.
If left untreated it can lead to serious lung infections such as pneumonia.
