[citation needed] Human infection from L. longbeachae is particularly common in Australia,[1][2][3] but cases have been documented in other countries including the United States,[4] Japan,[5] Greece[6] and the UK.

[8] Modes of transmission include poor hand-washing practices after gardening, long-term smoking, and being near dripping, hanging flower pots.

[9] Exposure to aerosolized organisms and poor gardening hygiene may be important predisposing factors to L. longbeachae infection.

[9] Compost must be handled with care, damped down with water to reduce dust before handling, and use of a face mask covering the nose and mouth to reduce the risk of inhaling the dust is needed, especially for those at high risk from infection.

The New South Wales state government recommends that people reduce exposure to potting mix dust by following the manufacturers' warning present on potting mix labels, including: Early symptoms include fever, chills, headache, shortness of breath, sometimes dry cough, and muscle aches and pain.