Gardeners warned of Legionnaires’ disease risk after 135 hospitalisations
Monday 5 October 2026 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated In this story Health New Zealand
Health officials are advising gardeners to use masks and gloves when handling compost and potting mix this spring. Over the past year, 135 people were hospitalised nationwide due to Legionnaires’ disease, with the South Island recording 54 cases.
Key facts
4 facts
- 152 legionellosis cases were recorded nationally between September 2025 and August 2026
- 135 people were hospitalised due to the disease
- The South Island recorded 54 cases, including 36 in Canterbury
- Legionnaires' disease is a pneumonia caused by breathing in Legionella bacteria
The full story
1 min read · 3 outlets
Health New Zealand is advising gardeners to take precautions this spring following 152 recorded cases of legionellosis between 1 September 2025 and 31 August 2026. Of these national cases, 135 people required hospital treatment. The South Island recorded the highest number of cases with 54, while the Northern region followed with 49.
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by breathing in Legionella bacteria, which can thrive in stagnant water and moist environments such as compost and potting mix. Medical officer of health Dr Matthew Reid noted that public health records an increase in notifications linked to soil products every spring. Symptoms may include fever, cough, chills, shortness of breath, muscle aches, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and excessive sweating. Some individuals may also experience mental confusion, disorientation, or a milder illness called Pontiac fever.
To reduce risks, Dr Reid advised that people should only handle potting and compost mix bags outdoors or in well-ventilated areas. He recommended opening bags carefully and away from the face, wearing gloves, and using a well-fitting face mask, preferably an N95. Gardeners can also dampen soil products to reduce dust and should wash and dry their hands thoroughly after use.
People over 50, smokers, and those with weakened immune systems or chronic illnesses are more susceptible to the disease. The illness typically requires antibiotics and often worsens over several days. Anyone experiencing symptoms, especially after gardening, should contact a healthcare provider or Healthline.
Where reports differ
- One report specifies that the Midland region includes Lakes, while others list it as Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki and Tairāwhiti
- One report states the Central region includes Whanganui and MidCentral, while another lists it as Hawke's Bay to Wellington
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald, 1News and The Press.