A man has died after contracting Legionnaires’ disease in NSW.

The Potts Point resident, aged in his 80s, first became unwell in June, according to NSW Health.

He was among six other people from the same area who contracted the disease and were hospitalised.

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“NSW Health expresses its sincere condolences to their loved ones,” the department said.

Five of the other patients have since been discharged.

None of the infected are known to each other but they may have been exposed to a common source of infection.

Legionnaires’ disease is contracted by exposure to Legionella bacteria, and outbreaks can occur when bacteria from environmental sources such as cooling towers atop large buildings become contaminated.

The disease is not spread from person to person.

South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit Director Dr Vicky Sheppeard said that no Legionella bacteria have been found so far in the area since investigations began in June.

Building owners have been asked to disinfect their cooling towers on two occasions.

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ include fever, chills, shortness of breath and a cough. It can lead to severe pneumonia.

“People who have recently been in Potts Point and develop these symptoms should see their GP or go to a hospital emergency department,” NSW Health said.

More information can be found on the department’s website.