Two fatalities have been recorded in Far North Queensland due to melioidosis, a soil-borne bacterial disease, during the region's persistent wet season marked by substantial flooding and record rainfall. The Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service has documented 30 cases since January 1.
Two fatalities have been recorded in Far North Queensland due to melioidosis, a soil-borne bacterial disease, during the region's persistent wet season marked by substantial flooding and record rainfall. The Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service has documented 30 cases since January 1, including the two deaths. This number surpasses the typical average for this period, according to Dr. Jacqui Murdoch, director of Tropical Public Health Services. Dr.
Murdoch emphasized the prolonged threat of seasonal diseases like melioidosis due to the delayed commencement of the monsoonal season in Cairns. Melioidosis is a serious disease prevalent in groundwater and soil, with a mortality rate reaching up to 20% among treated cases. It is a rare tropical disease caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, commonly found in soil and water across Southeast Asia and northern Australia, with occasional occurrences in southern Queensland. During the wet season, typically spanning from November to March in Far North Queensland, this bacterium rises to muddy surfaces from deep soil.High rainfall totals and widespread flooding have been documented in the Far North Queensland region. The disease enters the human body through cuts and abrasions, inhalation, or consumption of contaminated water. The incubation period can range from a few days to many years after exposure. While melioidosis is uncommon in healthy adults and rarely affects children, it can occasionally manifest in individuals with diabetes, kidney or lung issues, and those taking immunosuppressive medications. Symptoms of acute melioidosis may include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. The severity of these effects often necessitates hospitalization for antibiotic treatment. In some instances, the disease presents as superficial skin infections or abscesses in various body parts. Although there is no vaccine to prevent melioidosis, individuals who contract the disease can undergo intensive antibiotic treatment for at least three months. Queensland Health advises the public to take preventive measures against infections, including avoiding outdoor work during rainfall, managing diabetes effectively, and limiting alcohol consumption. When venturing outdoors, protective footwear and gloves are recommended. Thoroughly wash your skin after contact with soil or muddy water, and consider wearing a mask when using hoses or high-pressure cleaners near soil. If you are immunocompromised and experience a chest infection or fever, prompt medical attention is crucial. Anyone noticing persistent fevers for several weeks or non-healing wounds is urged to consult their general practitioner
Melioidosis Queensland Bacterial Infection Wet Season Flooding Health Warning
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