Grim warning as rare disease kills three
Residents in flood-ravaged parts of northern Queensland have been warned to remain vigilant as three people's deaths are linked to rare soil-borne disease melioidosis.
Two elderly people died on Thursday after another older person died 'within the past week', according to the Townsville Public Health Unit.
Health authorities are on alert as the number of cases spikes across inundated regions including Townsville and Cairns, with Queensland Health already recording 69 cases of melioidosis so far this year.
The rare soil-borne disease is caused by bacteria called Burkholderia pseudomallei, which can typically be found in soil and water in northern Australia and southeast Asia.
During the wet season, the bacteria rises from deep in the soil to muddy surfaces.
The recent floods that inundated parts of northern Queensland has created favourable conditions for the disease to spread, leaving communities vulnerable.
Townsville Public Health Unit director Dr Steven Donohue told the ABC on Saturday that melioidosis rates were reaching 'record numbers'.
Dr Donohue said about 10 per cent of those who contracted the disease would die.
'It's mainly in people who are elderly and sick ... (with) underlying diseases,' he said.
'A lot of people - if (the bacteria) is inhaled - they'll get fever, chest pain, cough, shortness of breath.
'But if it gets into the blood stream, causing blood poisoning, it can be aches and pains, headaches, confusion, (or) collapse - very serious symptoms.'
Dr Donohue warned against the elderly or sick going near mud or floodwaters, and urged anyone who had to amid the cleanup efforts to wear protective gear including boots, gloves or a mask.
The conditions in regions of north Queensland have also sparked new concerns of rising numbers of the Dengue virus, which is carried and transmitted by mosquitoes.
Dr Donohue said the area had recorded 'a couple of clusters' of the virus, though the region was more protected after a new strain of mosquitoes that carry bacteria blocking the disease were released.
He warned those cleaning up after the floods to 'take it very carefully'.
'If you get even a tiny wound, wash it thoroughly, put on an antiseptic and a bandage,' Dr Donohue said.
People were also urged to see a medical professional if any symptoms occur.
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