Legionnaires’ disease in Sydney CBD

There is a cluster of 5 patients with Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 infection, with symptom onsets between 30 March and 4 April. All visited Sydney CBD during their incubation periods. No single source for the cases has been identified, and it is possible that they are unrelated.

Blood sample positive with legionella

An investigation of a potential source in the area is underway.

Legionella pneumophila
• Legionella pneumophila bacteria can contaminate air conditioning cooling towers, whirlpool spas, shower heads and other bodies of water. People walking outside or driving past may be exposed if they inhale aerosolised contaminated water.
• Legionnaires’ disease is not spread from person to person.
• The typical incubation period is 2 to 10 days, but more commonly 5 to 6 days.
Symptoms
• Symptoms usually include fever, chills, cough and dyspnoea. Cases may also have muscle aches, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite and diarrhoea.
• Cases may be critically unwell with pneumonia. Most people recover but the disease is occasionally fatal, particularly when it occurs with co-morbidities or immune suppression.
Management
• Treat as per Therapeutic Guidelines: Antibiotic guidelines for Legionella pneumonia (low-moderate severity: azithromycin, ciprofloxacin or doxycycline).
• For further management advice discuss with your local infectious disease specialist.
• Notify your local public health unit of any suspected case – phone 1300 066 055.

Further information:
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/legionnaires/Pages/default.aspx