Take steps to prevent Legionnaires’ disease
22 Oct 2024
Breathing in contaminated dust or water droplets can cause a lung infection and pneumonia, called Legionnaires’ disease. It is also called Legionellosis.
Dr Julie Graham, Specialist Medical Advisor for Public Health Services, advises that Legionnaires’ disease can be serious and may require hospitalisation. There are steps that Tasmanians can take to protect from the type of Legionella bacteria that may be found in gardening products.
Protect yourself when gardening and handling garden materials:
-
wear gloves and a face mask while working with potting mix or compost
-
wash your hands with soap and water after working in the garden
-
cut open bagged potting mix or compost, don’t rip bags which raises dust
-
dampen dry compost or potting mix with water before you use it
-
work outside or in a well-ventilated area.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and pains, cough and shortness of breath.
If you develop symptoms contact your doctor as soon as possible. If you have severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or chest pain, or in an emergency, ambulance or go to the emergency department of your nearest hospital.
Find out more information at www.health.tas.gov.au/legionellosis
