The Victorian Department of Health advisory
Warning to gardeners using potting mix.
Cases of Legionnaires’ disease caused by Legionella longbeachae bacteria have increased 60 per cent from this time last year.
The disease, a form of pneumonia, is often caused by harmful bacteria that can be inhaled or spread from hand to mouth after handling potting mix, soil or compost.
So if you are exercising your green (or not so green) thumb this week, wear a mask and gloves and be sure to wash your hands.