Cantabrians urged to protect themselves against Legionnaires’ disease
People are more inclined to head outside and get stuck into their gardens as the days get longer and warmer. This comes with an increased risk of catching Legionnaires’ disease. So gardeners are being urged to take care with potting mix and compost.
Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Dr Ramon Pink says Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia.
“It’s caused by the Legionella bacteria that live in moist organic material. People can catch the disease by inhaling airborne droplets or particles containing the bacteria. Gardeners are at particularly high risk of catching Legionnaires’ disease as the bacteria thrives in bags of potting mix and compost,” says Dr Pink.
There is typically a spike in cases in early November in Canterbury. This can be attributed to the increased gardening activity from Labour Weekend onwards. Now is the time for people to take the necessary steps to avoid catching the disease.
Five simple steps to avoid Legionnaire’s disease from potting mix or compost
It is important that gardeners follow these five simple steps to avoid catching Legionnaires’ disease from potting mix or compost:
- Open bags of compost or potting mix carefully – use scissors instead of ripping the bag
- Wear a well-fitting disposable face mask and gloves. Remember not to touch your mask while gardening.
- Dampen down the potting mix or compost with a sprinkle of water to reduce dust.
- Work with potting mix or compost in a well-ventilated area outside.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling potting mix or compost, or doing any gardening.
“Legionnaires’ is a very serious illness and these simple actions can be lifesaving” says Dr Pink.
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 healthy young people have died from legionella pneumonia.
- Download an information flyer on keeping yourself safe from Legionnaire’s disease [420KB PDF].
- Find out more about keeping yourself safe when gardening [1.47MB PDF].
- Download an information sheet on keeping little gardeners safe [228KB PDF].
Symptoms of Legionnaire’s disease to look out for
Symptoms of the disease may include:
- dry coughing
- high fever
- chills
- diarrhoea
- shortness of breath
- chest pains
- headaches
- excessive sweating
- nausea
- vomiting, and
- abdominal pain.
Anyone who gets these symptoms should see their general practice team immediately, and let them know they have been handling potting mix or compost recently.
