With spring now here, WA Health is reminding gardeners to take simple precautions when using potting mix and soil to avoid the risk of Legionnaires' disease.
Legionnaires' disease is a serious lung infection caused by inhaling dust or water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria, which can be present in potting mix, soil, and compost products.
WA Health's A/Executive Director Environmental Health, Jane Cook said there had been 215 notifications of Legionnaires' disease linked to garden soils and/or potting mix since the beginning of 2020 – around 60% of these notifications required hospitalisation.
"Gardening is a popular spring activity, but it's important to remember that potting mix, compost and soil can sometimes contain Legionella bacteria.
"The risk of a serious infection increases for older people, smokers and those with weakened immune systems, and up to 10 per cent of cases can be fatal.".
"Simple precautions like wearing gloves and a well-fitting face mask, opening bagged potting mix carefully with scissors, dampening down soil to reduce dust, and washing your hands immediately after handling potting mix can reduce your risk of infection."
Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, and headaches.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms within two to 10 days after gardening should seek medical attention promptly.
"We want everyone to enjoy their gardens safely this spring and these simple steps can help protect your health," Ms Cook said.
