SA: Potting mix could lead to pneumonia exposure: health dept

AAP General News (Australia)
12-24-2003
SA: Potting mix could lead to pneumonia exposure: health dept

ADELAIDE, Dec 24 AAP - Gardeners using potting mix could be exposing themselves to
a deadly form of pneumonia, health officials warned today.

Five cases of the potentially fatal legionella longbeachae pneumonia have been detected
in South Australia in the past two weeks.

Four victims had recently used potting mix, SA's Department of Human Services director
of communicable disease control Dr Rod Givney said.

"Legionella longbeachae can be found in potting mixes, mulches, composts and soils,"

Dr Givney said.

Two South Australians had died from the form of pneumonia in 49 cases notified to state
health officials this year, he said.

Gardeners using potting mix should take precautions, such as wearing gloves and a dust
mask, dampening the contents before opening and avoiding breathing potting or compost
dust, Dr Givney said.

AAP sl/tma/br

KEYWORD: POTTING

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