MEDIA RELEASE
24 October 2013
Protect yourself from Legionnaires’ disease while gardening
If you enjoy gardening, help keep yourself safe from a potentially serious illness. Compost, potting mix and garden
soils often contain the bacteria which cause legionellosis – also known as Legionnaires’ disease. Infection can occur
when dust from compost and potting mixes is inhaled.
Legionnaires’ disease can vary in severity from a flu-like illness to severe pneumonia. Symptoms include fever, chills,
muscle aches and pains, shortness of breath and coughing. Anyone who develops such symptoms within 2 – 10 days after
handling compost or potting mix should see their doctor without delay. It can be a serious illness that requires
hospital treatment.
The disease is more common in middle-aged and older people, smokers, people with underlying lung disease and other long
term conditions such as diabetes, and those with weaker immune systems. Young, fit and healthy people are less commonly
affected. The disease doesn’t spread from person to person.
Gardeners and farmers can take simple steps to reduce the risk of getting Legionnaires’ disease, says Dr Neil de Wet,
Medical Officer of Health. “When working with compost and potting mix it’s important to take measures to avoid inhaling
dust. For example, open potting mix and compost bags gently and away from your face, cut the bag open with scissors
rather than ripping it, water gardens gently using low pressure, and avoid working in unventilated places such as closed
sheds and greenhouses,” he says. “When potting plants, gently wet the soil or compost first to reduce dust, and wash
your hands after handling soil or compost. Use of a face mask is recommended especially when these other measures are
not practical or possible.”
For more information go to www.ttophs.govt.nz/legionellosis
ENDS