Another ex-port worker dies of degenerative brain disease

Another former Port Nelson worker has died after contracting the rare degenerative brain disease, motor neurone.

The man died at his home on Christmas Eve, aged 66.

He is believed to be the fifth former port worker with motor neurone disease to die since 2002.

The latest death comes as the Nelson Public Health Service launches a preliminary study into the apparent cluster of deaths to ascertain if further investigation is warranted.

This comes amid claims by four of the dead men's widows that their husbands' deaths might be linked to methyl bromide exposure.

Nelson medical officer of health Ed Kiddle, who is carrying out the cluster study in response to the women's concerns, said he met last month with the recently deceased man as part of his investigations.

"I knew he was very ill so I went around to meet with his wife and to meet with him.

"That was very much a courtesy call to let them know about what I was doing."

Dr Kiddle refused to name the dead man or discuss details of his illness for confidentiality reasons. But he confirmed that no blood sample was taken from the man.

Because the study was only a preliminary one, Dr Kiddle said it was too early to take blood samples as he was not looking at causes for the disease or trying to link it with methyl bromide gas.

"You look for commonalities in the history of these people that might warrant further study."

Dr Kiddle had now spoken to the families of five men who had formerly worked around Port Nelson who had contracted motor neurone disease.

He was aware of another three motor neurone cases in the region. Two of those involved were still alive. He was unsure if the third person was alive or dead.

Dr Kiddle planned to meet the three families to discuss the cluster study before he began researching the workers' histories and asking for consent to review patient files.

He expected to hear about "a lot more" motor neurone cases during his investigation and was keen to hear from anyone who knew of motor neurone sufferers diagnosed in the area since the mid-1990s.

Meanwhile, Occupational Safety and Health is considering the feasibility of a nation-wide epidemiological study into possible workplace links between motor neurone disease and methyl bromide gas.

OSH officials also plan to meet with Port Nelson companies involved in fumigation later this month to review procedures for methyl bromide use.

The toxic greenhouse gas is used at ports throughout the country to fumigate export timber and containerised cargo.

There is no medical evidence linking it with motor neurone disease.

- NZPA