'It can be fatal': Public Health issues Legionnaires' warning - ABC listen

Julie GrahamIt's not common, but unfortunately it can be fatal in some instances. So Legionella is a bacteria that's common in our environment. There are a couple of different strains of it that do cause serious infections to us. People might be aware of those pneumonia-like infections that are associated with water towers that we often see in outbreaks. But there is another type of Legionella, which is the bacteria is common in our soils, compost, potting mixes. And so we do see an increase in cases, especially in those people sort of over 65 or who may be at risk of more severe infections because they have sort of underlying chronic conditions or they're on medications that or have illnesses that reduce their immune systems. And what we're saying to them is just be aware that there are some risks, but there's some really simple things that you can do to protect yourself in the garden.

Leon ComptonI have to say Dr Julie Graham, whenever I'm working with bags of soil I see the warnings, wear a mask etc and I tend to ignore them. You're saying that is not good practice?

Julie GrahamLook, I think we all see those. It's beautiful sunny weather, we're out in the garden, we don't want to be in gloves and having a mask on. But certainly for those who are at more risk, these are simple things. And really importantly, wash your hands after you've been using any potting mix or soil. Make sure you're using these things in well-ventilated spaces, so obviously outside that's great. And also if you are gardening and the soil is a bit dry, make sure you dampen it first because it's that dust or the in the potting mix that actually helps spread this bacteria. So dampen things down.

Leon ComptonIs it particularly in potting mix and stuff that you buy in bags or can it also just come straight out of the the soil in your garden as you're working with it Julie?

Julie GrahamYeah look in your garden as well. So we find it in potting mixes, we find it in soils, composts. It is actually a very common bacteria in our environment. It's in waterways, rivers, lakes, especially stagnant waterways. And this is why certainly those who are at more risk. We've already had sort of 16 cases of this particular type of Legionnaire in Tasmania this year. On average we only see 15 and coming into spring and some of this is when we tend to see more. So people just need to take those precautions and you know if they are unwell, please see your doctor.

Leon ComptonAnd what I found interesting, I was looking at some WA stats that went back to 2020. In maybe two-thirds of cases, hospitalisation was required where Legionnaires has been contracted. Does that bear out with your figures that where people contract Legionnaires from gardening all too often it can lead to a serious complication?

Julie GrahamYeah and look that's what I sort of highlighted first up. We don't see many cases but the cases we do see are often serious hospitalisations and about 10% can be fatal in some circumstances. So it is worth taking those precautions of you know washing your hands, wearing gloves, using a mask if you're at risk and making sure you you're outside in those well-ventilated areas and certainly in the sunny weather it's nice to be outside.