New South Wales Health ministry has been notified that a fifth person who is an interstate resident and had visited the Lidcombe area prior to 17th September has contracted Legionnaires' disease.
According to the Western Sydney Health news website, the health department’s investigation into the Legionella cluster is continuing and the community will be continually updated.
Earlier, Director of the Public Health Unit, Western Sydney Local Health District, Dr Shopna Bag said anyone who has recently been to the Lidcombe and surrounding areas and develops symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease should visit their GP.
“Legionnaires’ disease cannot be spread from person to person."
"All five cases contracted the infection from breathing in Legionella pneumophila bacteria, which is found in water sources such as cooling towers.
"People who develop this disease are diagnosed by chest X-ray and a urine test and usually require antibiotic treatment in hospital.”
According to Dr Bag, symptoms of the disease include fever, chills, a cough and shortness of breath.
“Symptoms can develop up to 10 days from the time of exposure to contaminated water particles in the air.” Dr Bag said.
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