People should wear gloves while handling potting mix or compost. (File image) Photo: Supplied
Spring gardeners are being warned to wear a mask and gloves while using potting mix or compost to protect themselves from a potentially life-threatening lung and chest infection.
There have been 108 cases of Legionnaires' disease across the country so far this year. It can cause flu- or pneumonia-type symptoms, a high fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
Heath officials are concerned that warmer weather and longer days will mean more people in the garden and potentially exposed via bags or bulk loads of potting mix and compost, where the bacteria can fester away in cosy conditions.
108 cases of Legionnaires disease across NZ this year
Te Whatu Ora public health medicine specialist Matt Reid told Checkpoint the danger was from people inhaling the dust.
"It does tend to affect older people, people who smoke or used to smoke, people that have long-term illnesses especially if they've got lung disease or a weakened immune system," he said.
"It can kill people ... even some young healthy people have contracted Legionnaires' disease and died."
Reid said gardeners should wear gloves and a well-fitting face mask. An N95 or respirator was best.
"Every year we have a number of people that get really ill, you know, from a lovely healthy pastime like gardening and end up in hospital or worse."
Symptoms include a dry cough, high fever, chills, shortness of breath, muscle aches, headaches, and diarrhoea.
Health NZ's advice to gardeners this spring:
- Work with potting mix or compost in a well-ventilated outdoor area
- Wear a well-fitting face mask. An N95 or respirator is best
- Wear gloves when handling potting mix or compost
- Open potting mix or compost bags carefully using scissors and open them away from your face
- Reduce dust by dampening down the potting mix or compost before using it
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling potting mix or compost and before touching your face or removing your mask.