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Spring is the perfect time to be out in the garden.
It’s also unfortunately the time when gardeners are most
at risk of catching Legionnaires’ disease from bags or
bulk loads of potting mix and compost.
With 32 cases
of the disease already confirmed in the region this year,
gardeners are being urged to take care with potting mix and
compost.
Dr Matt Reid, Te Whatu Ora National Public
Health Service Waitaha Canterbury Medical Officer of Health,
says Legionnaires’ disease is a form of
pneumonia.
“It’s caused by the legionella bacteria
that live in moist organic material and people can catch the
disease by breathing in airborne droplets or particles
containing the bacteria.
“Gardeners are at
particularly high risk of catching Legionnaires’ disease as
the bacteria thrive in potting mix and compost,” says Dr
Matt Reid.
In Canterbury there is typically a spike in
cases in spring that can be attributed to increased
gardening activity and good weather. Now is the time for
people to make sure they are taking the necessary steps to
avoid catching the disease.
Dr Matt Reid says there
are some simple actions gardeners should take to avoid
getting Legionnaires’ disease:
1. Work with potting
mix or compost in a well-ventilated outdoor area
2.
Wear a well-fitting face mask. An N95 or respirator is
best
3. Wear gloves when handling potting mix or
compost
4. Open potting mix or compost bags carefully
using scissors and open them away from your face
5.
Reduce dust by dampening down the potting mix or compost
before using it
6. Wash your hands thoroughly after
handling potting mix or compost and before touching your
face or removing your mask.
“Legionnaires’ disease
is a very serious illness and following these simple steps
can be lifesaving,” says Dr Matt Reid.
The illness
may be mild but can sometimes be fatal. It is more common in
older people, particularly if they smoke, have poor immunity
or a chronic illness. However, even healthy young people
have died from Legionella pneumonia.
Symptoms can
include dry coughing, high fever, chills, shortness of
breath, muscle aches, headaches and diarrhoea. If you have
these symptoms, you should contact your general practice
team right away for advice and let them know you if have
been handling potting mix or compost.
For more
information on Legionnaires’ disease visit: https://www.healthinfo.org.nz/index.htm?Legionnaires-disease-legionellosis.htm
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