Have a safe and healthy Cup & Show Week

Cup & Show Week marks an exciting time of year but to ensure it remains enjoyable Canterbury’s health officials are reminding Cantabrians to take care out there.

Dr Alistair Humphrey, Canterbury Medical Officer of Health, says people attending the various show and cup events, or even taking advantage of the warmer, longer days to get stuck in the garden, need to take steps to avoid getting one of the many illnesses that can emerge in late spring and early summer months.

“People attending this week’s A&P show are especially being urged to wash their hands thoroughly after touching farm animals,” Dr Humphrey says.

“Farm animals may look harmless but if you don’t wash your hands thoroughly after touching them you can catch serious diseases.”

The diseases that can be caught from touching young animals such as lambs include:

• Campylobacter

• Giardia

• Yersina

• Cryptosporidium

• Salmonella

• VTEC (E.Coli 0157)

• Ringworm

• Tetanus

“Children are most at risk as they are more difficult to get into the habit of washing their hands after touching farm animals and need to be reminded to wash their hands regularly,” Dr Humphrey says.

People going to the show should also remember to drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen and a hat.

“The same goes for anyone going to any of the horse racing events that are on. Ensure you’ve got plenty of sunscreen, drink plenty of water and if you are drinking alcohol try to alternate one alcoholic beverage to one glass of water, to ensure a safe and enjoyable day,” Dr Humphrey says.

Show Weekend is also a popular time for Canterbury gardeners and Cantabrians are being reminded of the dangers of using potting mix and compost.

Dr Humphrey says using posting mix and compost can increase people’s chances of being exposed to harmful bacteria legionella longbeachae, which can lead to Legionnaires’ disease.

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease may include dry coughing, high fever, chills, diarrhoea, shortness of breath, chest pains, headaches, excessive sweating, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

“Anyone with these symptoms, who has been handling potting mix or compost recently, should seek prompt advice from their general practice team or medical centre.

“It is important gardeners follow five simple steps to avoid catching Legionnaires’ disease from potting mix or compost,” Dr Humphrey says.

The five steps are:

1. Open potting mix bags carefully using scissors, rather than ripping them.

2. Wear a disposable face mask and gloves and open the bag away from your face.

3. Do your potting in a well-ventilated area outside.

4. Dampen down the potting mix or compost with a sprinkle of water to stop the bacteria from becoming airborne.

5. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling potting mix and doing any gardening.

ENDS

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