Health authorities are urging anyone with flu-like symptoms who visited the CBD recently to see a doctor, after a possible outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in a CBD cooling tower.

Three cases of Legionnaires' have been linked to an area south of Bourke Street, between Queen and Spring Steets. Two of the victims visited Flinders Street Station.

“My message to people who have visited the CBD between late January and earlier this month

and who may be suffering from pneumonia or flu-like symptoms is to visit their GP who will assess the need for testing for Legionnaires’ disease,” Victoria’s Deputy Chief Health Officer, Dr Brett Sutton, said in a statement released Friday.

Legionnaires' disease is caused by bacteria that often grow in and spread from airconditioning towers. Symptoms include headache, fever, chills, and muscle aches and pains. If untreated, the disease can cause respiratory problems and pneumonia.

The three victims, all men aged between 52 and 74, fell ill between February 6 and 14, days after visiting the CBD. All were hospitalised, but are now recovering.