An elderly resident has succumbed to melioidosis, a rare bacterial disease, following severe floods in Far North Queensland. The Townsville Hospital and Health Service reported this as the first melioidosis death of the year, alongside 21 other cases. Dr. Steven Donohue, the regional public health director, highlighted a rise in melioidosis cases during the wet season, leading to several hospital admissions.
Melioidosis, caused by the soil bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, becomes more prevalent when the bacteria rise to muddy surfaces, particularly during northern Australia’s wet season from November to April. Individuals most at risk include the elderly, chronic illness sufferers, and heavy alcohol users. Symptoms may manifest as fever, cough, chest pain, and headaches, developing days or even years after exposure.
With no vaccine available, the disease can be treated with potent antibiotics. Dr. Donohue has urged residents involved in the clean-up efforts to take precautions, such as wearing gloves and protective clothing when handling soil or floodwater. He also encouraged community members to monitor vulnerable individuals and seek medical help for persistent wounds or respiratory symptoms. Awareness and caution are crucial during this challenging period to prevent further cases of melioidosis.