Five notified cases of Legionnaires’ disease in the Canterbury region has prompted its District Health Board’s Community and Public Health to advise gardeners across New Zealand to take care when opening bags of potting mix or handling compost. The cases, since September, include one death. Legionnaires’ disease is a pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, commonly found in water and soils, including potting mix and compost. Potting mix was the likely source of infection in four cases in Canterbury. The person who died contracted the infection while overseas. 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. 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,” Dr Pink said. Cases tend to rise as people venture into the garden each spring. Nationally, in 2008, there were 76 cases notified, including four deaths. Anyone with symptoms should visit their GP.