Legionnaires’ Disease: A risk for Gardeners and Farmers

Legionnaires’ Disease : A risk for Gardeners and Farmers

People who work with compost and potting mix should be aware that the products may contain bacteria which can cause Legionellosis – also known as Legionnaires’ disease.

One strain of the bacteria which causes Legionnaires’ disease is a particular risk to home gardeners and farmers as it is naturally occurring in soils, compost, and potting mix. “Packaging for products such as potting mix and compost includes a health warning and advice but when you are buying in bulk, there’s no packaging, and people may be unaware of the risks and precautions that should be taken”, says Dr Neil de Wet, Medical Officer of Health.

Legionnaires’ disease may cause pneumonia with symptoms such as coughing, fever, chills, muscle aches and pains, and shortness of breath. It can be a serious illness that requires hospital treatment. Anyone who develops such symptoms within 2 – 10 days after handling compost or potting mix should see their doctor.

The disease is more common in middle-aged and older people, smokers, people with chronic disease such as diabetes, and those with poor 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. “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, water gardens gently using low pressure, and avoid working in unventilated places such as closed sheds and greenhouses”, he says. “When potting plants, wet the soil 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.”

A factsheet on Legionnaires’ disease is available on the Toi Te Ora - Public Health Service website: http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/vdb/document/194

ENDS

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