Warnings released as legionnaires&#39; disease spreads in Sydney

Public health warnings have been released in Sydney over the spread of Legionnaire's disease, as health officials grapple to find the source of outbreak; three have so far contracted the disease with one man fighting for his life. Cooling towers are now being inspected as outbreaks are often associated with contaminated air conditioning systems in large buildings. 

Public health officials are scrambling to find the source of an outbreak of the potentially deadly Legionnaires' disease in the Sydney CBD.

A team of 16 council and health workers are inspecting dozens of cooling towers in Margaret, Kent, King and George Streets on Thursday.

The City of Sydney has confirmed that three members of the public have contracted the disease.

A Sydney man has been left fighting for his life after contracting the potentially deadly Legionnaires' disease (stock picture)

It comes as an elderly man and two women - who all work around Wynyard train station - have fallen ill since Anzac Day,Seven News reported.

The elderly man is in a critical condition, while one woman remains in hospital. The third person has since been discharged.

A City spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia: 'As public health is our number one concern, we are taking the matter very seriously, and providing every assistance to NSW Health who are leading the investigation.

'The City will continue to provide the community with information about the issue as it becomes available.'

Tens of thousands of commuters pass through the suspected infection area each day, and it is also a focal point for tourists.

Cooling towers in the area are being inspected as outbreaks are often associated with contaminated air conditioning systems in large buildings.

The City spokesperson said: 'Under the Public Health Act, the City maintains a register of air conditioning towers and who is responsible for their maintenance.

An elderly man and two women - who all work around Wynyard train station - have fallen ill since ANZAC Day (stock picture)

'However, due to Sydney's global city status, the City of Sydney also conducts a proactive risk based inspection and sampling program of approximately 1,400 cooling towers across its area. The City's cooling system inspection program is up to date.'

Legionnaires' disease is a type of pneumonia caused by a bacterial infection of the lungs that can develop after someone breathes contaminated water vapour or dust.

The latest outbreak comes after a man aged in his 80s died in March after contracting the disease near Town Hall area.