Legionella outbreak in Sweden – suspected to come from soil

25 Swedes – most in the Stockholm area – have so far been infected with the very unusual legionella bacteria.
The Public Health Authority suspects that the infection comes from soil bags.

– Those affected can become seriously ill, says state epidemiologist Magnus Gisslén.

Are you one of everyone who plants in the garden or on the balcony this summer? Then it is good to be aware of the legionella bacteria that spreads in Sweden and comes from soil. The bacteria grows in warm and moist compost soil, flower soil or planting soil that has reached up to 20-25 degrees. If you inhale the dust from the earth, you can become seriously ill.

– You can get severe pneumonia that usually requires hospital care and in many cases intensive care, says Magnus Gisslén, state epidemiologist.

Legionella is a bacteria we have known since the 70s, when it caused Legionnaires’ disease in veterans in the United States. There are two types of legionella bacteria, one of which is spread via water, and the one we are talking about now is spread via soil. This summer’s outbreak is the largest since 2018, when around forty people fell ill and one person died. Even then, the infection came from soil.

This way you avoid getting infected

Despite the serious consequences, soil should not be avoided, says Magnus, but there are ways to reduce the risk of inhaling the dust.

– What you can think about is opening the potting soil where it is well ventilated. Outside in the first place, or by an open window, says Magnus.

Then you should seek care

Despite the fact that it is unusual to be affected, it is important that the public and the healthcare system pay attention to the ongoing outbreak and handle it in the right way, says Magnus.

How do you then know if you are one of those who may have been infected by the bacteria? Common symptoms are primarily respiratory symptoms such as coughing and difficulty breathing. High fever, headache, diarrhea and stomach ache are also common.

– You often get very ill, so there is no doubt that you need care. If in doubt, get in touch. says Magnus Gisslén, state epidemiologist.

The disease is treated with antibiotics.