The Department of Health warns WA gardeners to take care with potting mix as Legionnaires risk rises in spring

As spring breathes new life into gardens across the State, health authorities are reminding West Aussies to take extra care when handling potting mix and soil to avoid a potentially deadly lung infection.

The Department of Health is urging green thumbs to follow simple safety steps to reduce their risk of contracting Legionnaires disease — a serious lung infection caused by inhaling dust or water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria, which can be found in potting mix, soil and compost.

WA Health’s executive director of environmental health, Jane Cook, said there had been 215 cases of Legionnaires disease linked to garden soils and potting mix since the beginning of 2020 — with around 60 per cent of those cases requiring hospitalisation.

“Gardening is a popular spring activity, but it’s important to remember that potting mix, compost and soil can sometimes contain Legionella bacteria,” Ms Cook said.

“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.”

She said a few simple precautions could make all the difference.

“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,” Ms Cook said.

Symptoms of Legionnaires disease include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches and headaches.

Anyone who develops these symptoms within two to 10 days after gardening is advised to seek medical attention immediately.