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Legionnaires' cases prompt warnings | Stuff.co.nz on Astini News

Gardeners are being advised to take care after recent reports of legionnaires' disease.

South Canterbury medical officer of health Daniel Williams said disease surveillance showed three cases were notified to Canterbury health authorities in July and one last month.

Dr Williams advised gardeners that compost, seed-raising mix and potting mixes were not sterile and presented risk of exposure to the disease.

Legionella is the bacteria that causes legionnaires' disease. It thrives in moist, warm conditions and causes disease when contaminated particles or droplets are inhaled.

The disease can be severe, even fatal.

Symptoms may include dry coughing, high fever, chills, shortness of breath, chest pains, headaches, excessive sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.

There are five steps to avoid catching legionnaires' from potting mix or compost:

Open potting-mix bags carefully using scissors, rather than ripping them.

Wear a disposable face mask and gloves and open the bag away from your face.

Do your potting in a well- ventilated area outside.

Dampen down the potting mix or compost with a sprinkle of water to stop dust becoming airborne.

Wash your hands thoroughly after handling potting mix and doing any gardening.

- The Timaru Herald

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