As Western Australians return to their gardens this spring, WA Health is reminding the community to take simple precautions against Legionnaires' disease.
Notifications of Legionnaires' disease linked to potting mix and garden soil typically increase during spring as people spend more time planting, mulching and gardening.
Legionnaires' disease is a serious form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria.
Legionella longbeachae is commonly found in potting mix, compost, mulch and garden soil. People can become infected by breathing in contaminated dust or tiny water droplets released while handling these products.
It is different to Legionella pneumophila which is associated with contaminated water systems, including cooling towers, spas and some plumbing systems.
WA Health Executive Director Environmental Health Peter Gray said there had been 82 notifications of Legionnaires' disease caused by Legionella longbeachae over the past three years.
Of these cases, 42 people required hospital treatment and, sadly, two people died.
"Older people, smokers and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of developing serious illness, but anyone can become infected," Mr Gray said.
"Fortunately, there are several simple steps people can take to protect themselves while gardening:
- Wear gloves and a well-fitting disposable face mask when handling potting mix, compost or soil.
- Open potting mix bags carefully using scissors rather than tearing them open.
- Dampen potting mix before use to minimise dust.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after gardening and before removing your face mask.
- Store potting mix in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease can develop up to 10 days after exposure and often resemble severe influenza. They may include fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, a dry cough, tiredness, loss of appetite and shortness of breath.
"If you develop these symptoms after gardening or handling potting mix, seek medical attention promptly and let your doctor know about your recent exposure," Mr Gray said.
"Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics can significantly improve outcomes."
