Health New Zealand is urging gardeners to take extra precautions when handling potting mix, compost and other soil products this spring after 135 people were hospitalised with Legionnaires’ disease across Aotearoa over the past year.
Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially serious form of pneumonia caused by breathing in legionella bacteria. The bacteria can thrive in moist environments and stagnant water, including potting mix and compost, with public health services typically recording an increase in cases linked to gardening products during spring.
Dr Matthew Reid, Medical Officer of Health at the National Public Health Service, says simple precautions can significantly reduce exposure. Gardeners should open bags outdoors or in well-ventilated areas, keep them away from their face, wear gloves and preferably an N95 face mask, and dampen soil products to reduce dust.
People should also wash and dry their hands thoroughly after gardening or handling potting mix.
Those aged over 50, smokers and people with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems can be more susceptible and are being encouraged to take particular care.
Symptoms can include cough, fever, chills, shortness of breath, muscle aches, headaches, nausea, diarrhoea and excessive sweating, with some people experiencing confusion or disorientation. The illness can worsen over several days and often requires hospital treatment and antibiotics.
Anyone experiencing symptoms, particularly after recently handling potting mix or compost, should contact their healthcare provider or call Healthline free on 0800 611 116.
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