Health authorities have issued a warning for gardeners after a Sydney woman became seriously ill after using potting mix.
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The 60-year-old woman became ill after contracting Legionnaires’ disease. It’s thought she breathed in bacteria from the potting mix.
Legionella bacteria can multiply in bagged potting mix, mulch and other soil products.
Urgent health warning for gardeners using potting mix
The good news, according to NSW Health Executive Director, Dr Jeremy McAnulty, is most people don’t get sick when they come into contact with Legionella bacteria.
“Most people who breathe in the bacteria don’t become ill, but the risk of infection increases if you’re older, a smoker, or have a weakened immune system,” Dr McAnulty said.
How to protect yourself when using potting mix
Dr McAnulty said you can do a couple of things to protect yourself from ingesting bacteria from the potting mix.
“Put on a face mask and wear gardening gloves before you open the bag of potting mix and handle the contents,” Dr McAnulty said.
“Wetting the potting mix first also helps prevent any contaminated potting mix dust from blowing up into the air and being inhaled.
“Even if you’ve been wearing gloves, wash your hands thoroughly with soap before eating or drinking, as the bacteria could still be there.”
What is legionnaires disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is an infection of the lungs (pneumonia) caused by Legionella bacteria. Infection occurs when a person breathes in bacteria commonly found in the environment.
The NSW Health website says “there were 96 cases of Legionnaires’ disease so far this year from the type of bacteria that can be found in potting mix and soils in NSW, and 106 were reported last year.”
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease can develop up to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria.
Symptoms include:
- fever
- chills
- a cough
- shortness of breath
- aching muscles
- headache
- tiredness
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea.
NSW Health says if you have ongoing symptoms, you should see your doctor or visit your local emergency department.
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