Public Health Tasmania warns gardeners about the risk of ‘potentially fatal’ Legionnaires’ disease

Julie Graham
This is not common, but unfortunately can be fatal in some cases. So, Legionella is a bacteria that is common in our environment. There are several strains of it that cause serious infections in us. People may be aware of those pneumonia-like infections that are associated with water towers and that we often see during outbreaks. But there is another type of Legionella: bacteria common in our soils, compost, and potting mixes. And so we’re really seeing an increase in cases, especially among people over 65 or those who may be at risk for more severe infections because they have some sort of chronic disease or they’re on medications or they have medical conditions that reduce them immunity. systems. And we tell them: just realize that there are some risks, but there are some really simple things you can do to protect yourself in the garden.

Leon Compton
I have to say, Dr. Julie Graham, that whenever I work with earthbags, I see the warnings, wear a mask, etc. and tend to ignore them. Are you saying that this is not a good practice?

Julie Graham
Look, I think we all see it. The weather is beautiful, sunny, we are in the garden, we don’t want to wear gloves and a mask. But of course, for those who are at greater risk, these are simple things. And very importantly, wash your hands after using potting mix or soil. Make sure you use these things in well ventilated areas, so obviously outdoors are great. And also, if you’re gardening and the soil is a little dry, be sure to moisten it first because it’s the dust or soil mixture that actually allows these bacteria to spread. So tone things down.

Leon Compton
Is this especially true for potting mix and other things you buy in bags, or can it just pop right out of the soil in your garden as you work with it, Julie?

Julie Graham
Yes, look in your garden too. We find it in potting mixes, soils, composts. It is actually a very common bacterium in our environment. It is found in reservoirs, rivers, lakes, especially in standing reservoirs. And that’s why, of course, those who are at greater risk. We’ve already had about 16 cases of Legionnaires’ disease of this particular type in Tasmania this year. On average we only see 15, and it’s closer to spring and sometimes when we tend to see more. So people just need to take these precautions and if they feel unwell, consult a doctor.

Leon Compton
And what I found interesting was that I was looking at some Washington State statistics going back to 2020. In about two-thirds of cases, hospitalization was required where Legionnaires’ disease was infected. Is it consistent with your figures that cases where people become infected with Legionnaires too often while gardening can lead to serious complications?

Julie Graham
Yeah, and look, that’s what I kind of emphasized in the first place. We don’t see many cases, but the cases we do see are often serious hospitalizations, and about 10% can be fatal in some circumstances. Therefore, it is worth taking precautions: wash your hands, wear gloves, use a mask if you are at risk, and ensure that you are outside in well-ventilated areas, and of course, it is nice to be out there in sunny weather. outside.