Protect yourself from
Legionnaires’ disease
when working with
compost and potting mix
Summer is a popular time to get back in the
garden. While gardening at this time of the
year is enjoyed by many, it’s also important
to keep yourself safe from a potentially
serious illness. Compost and potting mix
often contain the bacteria which cause
legionellosis – also known as Legionnaires’
disease. Infection can occur when dust
from compost and potting mixes is inhaled.
Legionnaires’ disease can vary in severity
from a flu-like illness to severe pneumonia.
Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle
aches and pains, shortness of breath and
coughing. Anyone who develops such
symptoms within 2 – 10 days after handling
compost or potting mix should see their
doctor without delay.
Legionnaires’
disease can be a serious illness that requires
hospital treatment.
The disease is more common in older
people, smokers, people with underlying
lung disease and other long term conditions
such as diabetes. Young, fit and healthy
people are rarely affected. The disease
doesn’t spread from person to person.
Medical Officer of Health, Dr Phil
Shoemack says, “Gardeners and farmers
can take simple steps to reduce the risk of
getting Legionnaires’ disease.” He adds,
“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, cut the bag open with scissors
rather than ripping it, water gardens gently
using low pressure, and, where possible,
avoid working in unventilated places such
as closed sheds and greenhouses. When
potting plants, gently wet the soil or
compost 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.”
For more information go to www.ttophs.
govt.nz/legionellosis.
Be safe – be SunSmart!
Sunburn and skin damage is caused by
Ultra Violet (UV) rays from the sun and it
can lead to skin cancer. This is especially
important if you are swimming or near
water as the sun’s rays are reflected onto
you. So everyone needs to cover-up,
especially your children.
“Firstly, if it’s possible, try to stay out of
direct sun during the hours of 10am to
4pm. This is when the sun can do the most
damage. Look for natural shade or create
your own with an umbrella, tent or other
shelter. Then it’s important to Slip, Slop,
Slap and Wrap,” says Dr Phil Shoemack,
Medical Officer of Health.
• SLIP into a long-sleeved shirt and into
the shade. Generally, fabrics with a tighter
weave and darker colours will give you
greater protection from the sun. There are
also certain fabrics on the market that have
a sun protective factor (SPF) rating.
• SLOP on plenty of broad-spectrum
SPF30+ sunscreen at least 20 minutes
before going outdoors.
• SLAP on a hat with a wide-brim or a cap
with flaps – more people get sunburned on
their face and neck than any other part of
the body.
• WRAP on a pair of wrap-around
sunglasses – UV radiation is just as
dangerous to eyesight as it is for the skin.
Take these precautions especially between
10 am and 4 pm (September to April).
For more information about being
SunSmart for you and your family visit
www.sunsmart.org.nz
Toxic shellfish still
unsafe to eat from
the Bay of Plenty
coastline
Summer is a great time to relax and
enjoy the Bay of Plenty beaches, but
unfortunately locals and visitors to parts of
the Bay of Plenty will not be able to enjoy
one favourite water activity this year –
shellfish collecting.
Since late November in 2014 high levels of
paralytic shellfish poison have been found
in shellfish along a significant stretch of
coastline. A health warning is therefore
in place advising against the collection of
shellfish from Otahu River at Whangamata,
along the Bay of Plenty coast to Rogers
Road, Pukehina. All harbours, estuaries
and islands along this coastline are included
in the warning.
“Ongoing monitoring confirms continuing
high levels of paralytic shellfish poison in
shellfish along this coast. People should
avoid collecting shellfish in these areas,”
says Medical Officer of Health, Dr Phil
Shoemack.
Photo credit: Amanda Mills
The health warning applies to all bi-valve
shellfish including mussels, pipi, tuatua,
cockles, oysters, scallops as well as cat’s
eyes, snails and kina (sea urchin). Paralytic
shellfish poisoning is caused by natural
toxins that are produced by algal blooms
and accumulate in shellfish that feed on the
algae. Shellfish containing toxic levels of
paralytic shellfish poison don't look or taste
any different from shellfish that are safe to
eat. Cooking or freezing the shellfish does
not remove the toxin. Paua, crayfish and
crabs can still be taken but as always, the
gut should be removed before cooking or
eating.
Eating shellfish affected by paralytic
shellfish toxin can cause numbness and
tingling around the mouth, face, hands and
feet; difficulty swallowing or breathing;
dizziness; double vision; and in severe
cases, paralysis and respiratory failure.
These symptoms can start as soon as
1-2 hours after eating toxic shellfish and
usually within 12 hours. Anyone suffering
illness after eating shellfish should seek
urgent medical attention.
The public can obtain up-to-date
information on the toxic shellfish health
warning through these channels:
• Phone: 0800 221 555
• Website: www.ttophs.govt.nz/health_
warnings
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/ttophs
• Email
alerts
for
www.ttophs.govt.nz/alert
• Signage at locations
subscribers: