Gardeners in NSW have been urged to wear face masks and gloves when handling potting mix and compost to avoid contracting Legionnaires' disease.
The warning comes after a Sydney woman aged in her 60s died from the disease last week after handling potting mix.
NSW Health said there had been 96 cases of Legionnaires' disease this year from the type of bacteria that can be found in potting mix and soils.
NSW Health executive director Jeremy McAnulty urged gardeners to wear masks and gloves when handling potting mix.
'"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.
"Wetting the potting mix first also helps prevent any contaminated potting mix dust blowing up into the air and being inhaled.
"Even if you've been wearing gloves, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap before eating or drinking as the bacteria could still be there."
Legionella longbeachae bacteria is often found in potting mix and can cause Legionnaires' disease if someone inhales dust from contaminated soil.
NSW Health said that symptoms of Legionnaires' disease can develop up to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria and include fever, chills, a cough, shortness of breath, aching muscles, headache, tiredness, loss of appetite and diarrhoea.
Harriet Whiley, associate professor in environmental health at Flinders University, stressed the importance of wearing a mask when using potting mix.
"Legionnaires' disease is not transmitted person to person, but through inhalation or aspiration of the Legionella bacteria," Dr Whiley said.
"This is why it is important to wear a mask, wet down soil and wear gloves/wash hands when handling potting mix."
A more common source of Legionnaires' disease is due to a different strain of bacteria, usually found in contaminated air conditioning cooling systems on large buildings.
In May this year, five people were admitted to hospital after contracting Legionnaires' disease after visiting Sydney's CBD.
Health authorities suspected contaminated cooling towers spread the harmful infection.
