1 dead, 12 infected in Sydney Legionnaires' disease outbreak

17/4/2025 16:19

A person has died and 12 others have been infected after contracting Legionnaires' disease in an outbreak linked to central Sydney, the Department of Health in the state of New South Wales said on Thursday.



There are now 12 confirmed cases of Legionnaires' disease in people who spent time in central Sydney between March 13 and April 5, up from the six cases that had been diagnosed as of April 10, the department said.



It said that one of the confirmed cases died in hospital. Of the 12 reported cases, 11 have been hospitalized for treatment.



NSW Health on Thursday urged anyone who spent time in central Sydney and surrounds in late March or early April to be aware of symptoms of Legionnaires' disease, including fever, chills, a cough and shortness of breath.



Legionnaires' disease is a form of pneumonia caused by infection with Legionella bacteria, which is found naturally in fresh water. NSW Health said that symptoms can develop up to 10 days after exposure.