SCOTLAND: LEGIONELLA LONGBEACHAE from compost

] Date: Fri 13 Sep 2013 Source: This Is Jersey/Jersey Evening Post [edited] A health board is investigating 4 cases of the infection [due to] _Legionella longbeachae_ linked to gardening compost. 2 patients are being treated in intensive care while 2 more have been discharged from hospital, NHS Lothian said. The 4 people affected are keen gardeners between the ages of 62 and 84. Dr Richard Othieno, NHS Lothian consultant in public health and chair of the incident management team, said: "This type of _Legionella_ is quite rare in that unlike other strains it has never been identified in man-made water systems, like cooling towers. We are working with experts to trace the source of the infection and samples of the compost have been sent for testing. We know that all of the 4 cases are keen gardeners and had purchased different products containing compost prior to acquiring the infection. Gardening is a healthy hobby but there are risks and it is important that people take some simple precautions when working in their garden or with gardening products. I would like to add further reassurance that the risk to the wider public is low." The symptoms of _Legionella longbeachae_ [infection] include headaches, diarrhoea, or a dry cough followed by pneumonia. Most people recover after treatment with antibiotics but those with underlying medical problems are more vulnerable, the health board said. It is not known exactly how the infection is passed from compost to people but health experts assume it is through breathing in very small dust particles or drops of contaminated water. The infection is not transmitted from person to person. Anyone handling garden materials such as potting mix, mulches, composts, or garden soils is advised to open bags carefully, wear gloves and keep doors to greenhouses or sheds open when potting plants or filling hanging baskets. Gardeners are also advised to wear a mask if the air is dusty, particularly indoors, and to wash their hands immediately after using compost and before smoking. There is no link between the current cases and the outbreak of [infection due to] _Legionella pneumophila_ in southwest Edinburgh in 2012, NHS Lothian said.