SYDNEY has been struck by a fresh outbreak of the potentially deadly Legionnaires’ disease — hot on the heels of an earlier outbreak in March.

Three people have been diagnosed since last Friday — one person is fighting for their life and two others are in hospital after contracting the infection after spending time in the CBD since last Friday.

There is no evidence the cases are linked to an earlier city outbreak in March, which claimed an elderly man’s life.

“People who have recently lived, visited or worked in the area (Sydney CBD blocks bordered by Margaret, Kent, King and George Streets) and develop symptoms of Legionnaires disease should visit their GP,” NSW Health spokeswoman Dr Vicky Sheppeard told reporters in Sydney.

The sick trio have all spent time in that pocket of the city since Anzac Day.

“All three people work in that part of the city and they do visit there regularly,” Dr Sheppeard said.

“All of these people had underlying conditions that disposed them to catching Legionnaires disease.”

Cancer patients, smokers, people with severe immune diseases or who are undergoing immunosuppressive treatments are all susceptible to the disease, Dr Sheppeard said

NSW Health is inspecting building towers in the area.

Dr Sheppeard said the unusually high temperatures may be responsible, with cooling towers being used more during the warmer weather.

Four people were affected by an outbreak earlier this year.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LEGIONNAIRE’S DISEASE

WHAT IS LEGIONNAIRES’ DISEASE?

* A type of pneumonia caused by a bacterial infection of the lungs.

HOW DO YOU GET IT?

* Exposure to legionella bacteria. There are two common types in

NSW, one is usually found in air conditioning cooling towers and

the other in soil.

* It’s not spread from person to person.

WHO IS AT RISK?

* Middle-aged and older people, particularly smokers or people with

chronic lung disease.

SYMPTOMS:

* Fever, chills, a dry cough and shortness of breath.

* Some people also have muscle aches, headaches, tiredness, loss of

appetite and diarrhoea.

* Symptoms typically occur between two and 10 days after exposure.

TREATMENT:

* Antibiotics.

PROGNOSIS:

* Most people recover, but it can occasionally be fatal.

PREVENTION:

* Regular inspection, disinfection and maintenance of cooling

towers and plumbing systems.

* Reduce exposure to potting mix dust by wearing gloves and a mask.

Source: NSW Health