HEALTHNEWS Nelson Marlborough Health NELSON MARLBOROUGH HEALTH / WwW.NMDHB.GOVT.NZ / NELSON (03) 546 1800 / MARLBOROUGH (03) 520 9999 / DECEMBER 2019 000 To reduce the risk of Legionnaires' disease: 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 LET'S Talk ABOUT..Legionnaires' disease Legionnaires' disease is a serious illness that can cause pneumonia and, in some cases, death. Potting mix is the most common source of the Legionella bacteria; it's also present in inadequately- treated spa pools. Legionnaires' is not passed from person to person but people can catch it by inhaling soil or compost dust or droplets of water in the air. At this time of year, when people are getting into their gardens more we urge people to take care when handling these products. Do your potting in a well-ventilated area outdoors Dampen down the potting mix or compost with a sprinkle of water to reduce airborne dust Wash your hands thoroughly after handling potting mix, or gardening See your doctor immediately if you develop a flu-like illness The Legionella bacteria also lives in warm water, so people who have spa pools need to properly treat their water and maintain their pools. The Ministry of Health webpage on Legionnaires disease has more information: www.health.govt.nz/ your-health/conditions-and-treatments/diseases- and-illnesses/legionellosis Dr Stephen Bridgman Clinical Director of Public Health and a Medical Officer of Health Your Healthcare GP (Doctor) or Pharmacy Where 1 Should I Be? GP (DOCTOR) OR PHARMACY Medical & Injury Ifits not an emergency see your GP. Centre If you don t have a doctor call Healthline, 24/7 on 0800 611 116. Need to talk? Free call or text 1737. Hospital Emergency Department See a community pharmacy for advice and treatment. MEDICAL & INJURY CENTRE For urgent health concerns visit the Medical & Injury Centre on Waimea Road, Nelson. *Nelson Marlborough Health HOSPITAL EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT If a life is at risk call 111 or go Emergency Department (ED). your nearest www.nmdhb.govt.nz/healthcare EO Healthline 0800 611 116 Free health advice when you need it TE WAIORA HEALTHNEWS Nelson Marlborough Health NELSON MARLBOROUGH HEALTH / WwW.NMDHB.GOVT.NZ / NELSON (03) 546 1800 / MARLBOROUGH (03) 520 9999 / DECEMBER 2019 000 To reduce the risk of Legionnaires' disease: 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 LET'S Talk ABOUT..Legionnaires' disease Legionnaires' disease is a serious illness that can cause pneumonia and, in some cases, death. Potting mix is the most common source of the Legionella bacteria; it's also present in inadequately- treated spa pools. Legionnaires' is not passed from person to person but people can catch it by inhaling soil or compost dust or droplets of water in the air. At this time of year, when people are getting into their gardens more we urge people to take care when handling these products. Do your potting in a well-ventilated area outdoors Dampen down the potting mix or compost with a sprinkle of water to reduce airborne dust Wash your hands thoroughly after handling potting mix, or gardening See your doctor immediately if you develop a flu-like illness The Legionella bacteria also lives in warm water, so people who have spa pools need to properly treat their water and maintain their pools. The Ministry of Health webpage on Legionnaires disease has more information: www.health.govt.nz/ your-health/conditions-and-treatments/diseases- and-illnesses/legionellosis Dr Stephen Bridgman Clinical Director of Public Health and a Medical Officer of Health Your Healthcare GP (Doctor) or Pharmacy Where 1 Should I Be? GP (DOCTOR) OR PHARMACY Medical & Injury Ifits not an emergency see your GP. Centre If you don t have a doctor call Healthline, 24/7 on 0800 611 116. Need to talk? Free call or text 1737. Hospital Emergency Department See a community pharmacy for advice and treatment. MEDICAL & INJURY CENTRE For urgent health concerns visit the Medical & Injury Centre on Waimea Road, Nelson. *Nelson Marlborough Health HOSPITAL EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT If a life is at risk call 111 or go Emergency Department (ED). your nearest www.nmdhb.govt.nz/healthcare EO Healthline 0800 611 116 Free health advice when you need it TE WAIORA