Spring gardeners are being warned to wear a mask and gloves while using potting mix or compost to protect themselves from a potentially life-threatening lung and chest infection.
There have been 108 cases of Legionnaires' disease across the country so far this year. It can cause flu- or pneumonia-type symptoms, a high fever, coughing, and shortness of breath.
Heath officials are concerned that warmer weather and longer days will mean more people in the garden and potentially exposed via bags or bulk loads of potting mix and compost, where the bacteria can fester away in cozy conditions.
Te Whatu Ora public health medicine specialist Matt Reid told Checkpoint the danger was from people inhaling the dust.
Read more at RNZ.