Rare soil-borne disease claims 12 lives

Yahoo

25-02-2025

A rare soil-borne disease has claimed the lives of 12 people in northern Queensland, amid a surge in cases since the start of the year.
Three people have reportedly died from melioidosis in Townsville, while the death toll in Cairns has now risen to nine.
Tropical Public Health Services director Jacqueline Murdoch said it had been a 'record-breaking' year for the region, with Cairns recording 53 cases and Townsville recording 34 since January 1.
'Certainly we haven't seen anything like this,' she told the ABC.
'It's a very severe disease and it has a reasonably high fatality rate, so we do have a large number of deaths now, which is reflecting the large number of cases.'
Dr Murdoch said southern and central Cairns had been most affected.
'Manoora, Manunda, that sort of region, but then all the way down to Edmonton is where we're seeing the majority of the cases,' she said.
It is understood heavy rain and flooding this wet season have contributed to a surge in cases in the region, as disease-causing bacteria rises from the soil to muddy surfaces.
'We had such a big rainy season last year – that is likely contributing to the high numbers,' Dr Murdoch said.
While patient details have not been disclosed, it is understood both older and younger people had been infected, with recent flooding in northern Queensland creating optimal conditions for the disease to spread.
Townsville Public Health Unit director Dr Steven Donohue told the ABC on Saturday 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.'
The rare soil-borne disease is caused by a bacteria called Burkholderia pseudomallei found in soil and water in northern Australia and southeast Asia.
Melioidosis symptoms to be aware of include fever, cough, chest pain, weight loss, muscle pain and headaches.
Dr Donohue warned vulnerable members of the community, particularly the elderly or sick, to avoid mud and floodwaters.
He also advised people assisting with flood clean-up efforts to wear protective gear including boots, gloves and a mask.
Queenslanders can learn more about melioidosis and other diseases and infections by calling 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).