A deadly outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Sydney’s central business district (CBD) has claimed one life and infected at least 12 others. NSW Health reported that all confirmed cases are linked to individuals who spent time in the CBD and nearby suburbs between March 13 and April 5, 2025. The deceased was hospitalized last week, marking a tragic development in the ongoing health crisis.
In a statement, NSW Health expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. "Sadly, one of the people who contracted the disease passed away in hospital last week," the department said. The investigation into the outbreak has revealed the presence of Legionella bacteria in a cooling tower located in the CBD, which is currently undergoing decontamination.
Health officials are urging anyone who was in the CBD during the specified timeframe to monitor for symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease, which can take up to ten days to manifest. Symptoms include fever, chills, cough, and shortness of breath, and in severe cases, the disease can lead to serious lung infections, including pneumonia.
Dr. Vicky Sheppeard, director of the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit, confirmed that the disease is not transmitted from person to person. "Legionnaires’ disease is caused by infection with Legionella bacteria," she explained. "Outbreaks sometimes occur when bacteria from environmental sources such as cooling towers atop large buildings become contaminated." This underscores the importance of maintaining proper hygiene and safety protocols in public water systems.
As part of the response to the outbreak, NSW Health is conducting inspections and sampling of cooling towers that may be linked to the disease. To date, over 165 cooling towers in the Sydney CBD have been inspected and tested. Most building owners have acted swiftly to ensure compliance with the NSW Public Health Regulation 2022, which mandates proper operation and maintenance of these cooling systems.
Health authorities are keen to ensure that the public remains informed and vigilant. Anyone feeling unwell is encouraged to seek medical advice promptly, either through their general practitioner or by visiting an emergency department.
Legionnaires’ disease is not new to Australia, with previous outbreaks prompting significant health concerns. In August 2024, a major outbreak in Melbourne linked to cooling towers resulted in over 100 cases and two fatalities. Similarly, Sydney has seen its share of Legionnaires’ cases, including at least seven hospitalizations during an outbreak in January 2024, followed by another three cases near Sydney University in February 2024.
The current outbreak highlights the ongoing risks associated with Legionella bacteria, which can thrive in artificial water systems. Health officials stress the need for regular maintenance of cooling towers and other water systems to prevent contamination.
As investigations continue, the community is reminded to stay alert for any signs of illness, especially if they were in the affected areas during the outbreak window. The health department is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors in the CBD.
In a related note, the public should remain aware of other health advisories, including precautions against potential shark sightings at local beaches and the importance of following regulations when operating recreational vehicles such as jet skis. Authorities have warned that operating a jet ski without a license can incur significant fines, highlighting the need for responsible behavior during the holiday season.
In summary, the outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Sydney serves as a stark reminder of the importance of public health vigilance and the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance of environmental health systems. With one life lost and multiple infections confirmed, the community is urged to take the necessary precautions to safeguard their health.
