Overview

• A man in his eighties in Sydney’s Potts Point died in late June and six others have since tested positive for Legionella, prompting repeated disinfection requests by the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District.
• In Central Harlem, New York City health officials have confirmed 22 diagnoses and one fatality since July 25, with all operable cooling towers sampled and owners ordered to remediate any positive sites within 24 hours.
• Anyone who visited Potts Point or Central Harlem since late July and develops flu-like symptoms should consult a doctor or visit an emergency department without delay.
• Legionnaires’ disease is a non-contagious form of pneumonia contracted by inhaling water vapor contaminated with Legionella bacteria, which thrive in warm, stagnant systems, and it is treated with antibiotics.
• Both the SESLHD and NYC Health Department say investigations remain active, with ongoing sampling of high-risk water systems to pinpoint and eliminate Legionella sources.