By Helena Burke
Seven people who were in various Sydney locations over the past few weeks have tested positive for the Legionella bacteria. Photo: 123RF
The hundreds of thousands of people who visited Sydney's CBD during the Christmas-New Year's period are being warned to monitor for symptoms of Legionnaires' disease.
Seven people who were at locations across the city over the past few weeks have now tested positive for the Legionella bacteria and are in hospital with pneumonia.
The disease is often caused by the inhalation of contaminated water particles via air conditioners.
It is not contagious.
"Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease can develop up to 10 days from the time of exposure to contaminated water particles in the air and include fever, chills, a cough and shortness of breath, and may lead to severe chest infections," NSW Health said in a statement.
"People who develop this disease are diagnosed by a urine or sputum test and chest X-ray, and usually require antibiotic treatment in hospital.
"Those most at risk are people with underlying lung or other serious health conditions and people who smoke."
The three women and four men who are now in hospital with the disease visited locations between Bathurst Street, Sussex Street, Elizabeth Street and Circular Quay.
Hundreds of thousands of people visited the Sydney CBD for the Boxing Day sales and New Year's Eve fireworks.
About 10 percent of people who contract Legionnaires disease will die despite treatment, according to New South Wales Health.
The department is urging people who have visited the Sydney CBD over the festive period to monitor themselves for symptoms.
Investigation into cooling towers
NSW Health says it is working with the City of Sydney Council to inspect cooling towers that are potentially contaminated.
People can contract Legionnaires disease when they breathe in small droplets of water in the air that contain bacteria.
This can come from contaminated air conditioning cooling towers, whirlpool spas, shower heads and other bodies of water.
The department says it will be reviewing the maintenance records of cooling towers in the Sydney CBD to determine which towers need to be investigated further.
"Building owners should ensure that their cooling towers are operated and maintained in compliance with the NSW Public Health Regulation 2022," NSW Health said.
"Routine monthly testing of cooling towers allows the early identification of contaminated towers and allows for prompt additional cleaning and corrective actions."
- This story was first published by the ABC