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Authorities have sounded a fresh alarm following a recent surge in Legionnaires’ disease cases, with a notable cluster identified earlier this week.
This cluster involves four individuals, three of whom were confirmed as cases just yesterday. All affected had frequented the vicinity of Clarence Street near Wynyard in the central business district between December 9 and December 18.
Legionnaires’ disease, caused by Legionella bacteria, typically emerges when the bacteria contaminates cooling towers atop large buildings. This contamination can lead to airborne water particles, which pose a risk when inhaled.
Dr. Vicky Sheppeard explained, “Exposure occurs when people breathe in contaminated water particles from a cooling system present in the air.”
Symptoms of the disease can manifest anywhere from two to ten days following exposure. These symptoms include fever, chills, cough, and shortness of breath, potentially escalating to severe chest infections like pneumonia.
“Those most at risk include elderly people, people with underlying lung or other serious health conditions, and smokers.”
All four people are in hospital, Sheppard said.
She added the source of the current outbreak is being investigated, with building managers in the CBD urged to check their cooling towers.
Infected people can develop symptoms between two and 10 days of initially contracting the disease.