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Source: ONE News
Health authorities are warning people to be careful handling potting mix and compost after an outbreak of legionnaires disease in Canterbury.
Four people have fallen ill since September after likely having handled potting mix.
Another man died last month after contracting a different strain of the disease in Thailand.
Legionnaires disease is a type of pneumonia. Symptoms include a dry cough, high fever, chills, diarrhoea, shortness of breath, chest pains, headaches, excessive sweating, vomiting and abdominal pain.
Medical Officer of Health for Canterbury Ramon Pink says the cases are a timely reminder of the dangers of inhaling dust from potting mix and handling it.
"Bags should be carefully opened in a well ventilated area, preferably outdoors, and away from the face. Dampening down the mix with gentle watering is advised.
"Also make sure that you always wash your hands after handling potting mix and doing any gardening."
Handling warnings are printed on most bags of potting mix, he says.
Anyone with symptoms who had been handling potting mix or compost recently should contact their doctor.
Risk factors include being older than 50, smoking and having a long term illness.
There have been 15 notified cases of the disease in Canterbury in the last year.
In 2008, nationally, there were 76 cases notified, including four deaths.
