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The Sydney CBD has been designated as the possible origin of four new cases of Legionnaires' disease.
City building owners are now being asked to check their water cooling towers after infections.
The four cases were recorded among people who have stayed in downtown Sydney in the past month, but this could be a coincidence, according to a public notice from NSW Health.
Dr. Jeremy McAnulty, executive director of the government's health protection agency, said no source of the four infections had been identified, but precautions were being taken.
taken.
"As a general rule, when cases report visiting common areas, NSW Health works with local councils to ensure that cooling towers in the affected areas are properly maintained," said Dr. McAnulty.
"Legionnaires' disease can not be transmitted from person to person.
"Symptoms can appear up to 10 days after exposure to contaminated water particles in the air.
"People who develop this condition are diagnosed by chest X-ray and by a urine test and usually require antibiotic treatment at the hospital."
She said that property owners should check to make sure their water towers are maintained and cleaned.
This is because epidemics are most often related to contaminated water cooling systems of air conditioning facilities in large buildings.
Fever, chills, coughing and shortness of breath are the symptoms. They can lead to serious chest infections such as pneumonia.
Last year, NSW Health strengthened the public health regulation to reduce the risk of legion for the community, requiring property owners to conduct monthly tests in cooling towers and to notify municipalities of the levels required. elevated legionella and other bacteria.
"Homeowners and building occupants must also ensure that a number of essential safeguards are in place for cooling towers," warns NSW Health.
"Building occupants already had to comply with Australian standards for cooling tower maintenance, which require regular inspections and cleaning."
So far in 2019, four cases of legionnaires belonging to the strain most commonly badociated with cooling towers, Legionella pneumophila, have been reported, compared with five cases for the same period last year.
For more information on managing water cooling systems, contact your local representative.
Public Health Unit at 1300 066 055.
For information on Legionnaires, visit the NSW Health website.
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