Careful with that potting soil, Eugene; Legionnaires' death in New Zealand

Posted: December 10th, 2009 - 4:25am by Doug Powell

One person is dead and four others have fallen ill in a recent spate of cases of Legionnaires' Disease, with health authorities pointing the finger of blame at a humble gardening product.

The person who died is believed to have contracted the illness overseas, while four others in Canterbury are thought to have become infected since September through contact with potting mix.

Legionnaires' Disease is a pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria that are commonly found in water and soils, including potting mix and compost.

Dr Ramon Pink, Medical Officer of Health for Canterbury, said recommendations for handling and warnings were printed on most bags of potting mix.

"It is very important to take care to avoid inhaling the dust when opening and handling the potting mix. Bags should be carefully opened in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors, and away from the face."

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Categories: Food Safety Policy
Tags: Legionnaires, Soil, Trendspotting, Zealand

Comments

annetaSmoke says:

There appears to be a host of bacteria in potting soils. Mycobacteria is another that can cause disease and has been found in bags of soil. I, myself, got a garden-related lung infection from a pile of composting wood chips -- from a non-tuberculosis mycobacterium. I'm certainly not advocating placing a healthy pastime like gardening in the hazardous activity category, but folks should be aware that soils and decaying plant materials contain lots of bacteria and some are opportunistic pathogens. If you have MAC, just be careful in the garden.

Posted on December 11th, 2009 - 11:11am

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