Latest news with #SamBacko
ABC News
15-07-2025
- Health
- ABC News
New melioidosis death brings number of fatalities in Queensland this year to 35
Another person has died from the soil-borne disease melioidosis in Queensland, bringing the total recorded deaths across the state this year to 35. Queensland Health said the death occurred in the Cairns and Hinterland region in the past seven days. Another case was also recorded in the area in the same period. This year to date, 237 people have been diagnosed with melioidosis in the stat More than half of all cases have been recorded in the Cairns and Hinterland area, followed by the Townsville region. The potentially deadly disease is prevalent in northern Australia, where the bacteria that causes it can be found in soil and water. The bacteria can enter the body via cuts, inhalation or contaminated drinking water. Outbreaks of the illness are often observed during the wet season or flooding. Melioidosis is rare among healthy adults and children. However, the risk is greater for people with health conditions such as diabetes or cancer. Former NRL front rower Sam Backo remains in hospital after contracting melioidosis in Cairns in April. James Cook University associate professor and microbiologist Jeffrey Warner said public awareness was limited due to a lack of knowledge about the disease. Dr Warner said his team had begun a five-year study to better understand melioidosis. "There's a lot we don't know about where the organism is in the environment [and] what preferred environment the organism requires for persistence," Dr Warner said. Suggested causes for the outbreak include above-average rainfalls and the Bruce Highway upgrade. Above-average rainfall hit north Queensland at the start of the year and by May, Townsville had recorded its wettest year on record. Dr Warner said while there was a correlation between unprecedented rainfall in Townsville and where cases had occurred, the same could not be said for Cairns. "There's something else going on here [in Cairns] and we're really interested in looking at the differences … between Townsville and Cairns," he said. "Until we have a better handle on all of those things, we're not going to understand where it is, we're not going to understand who is vulnerable, we're not going to understand the individual behavioural issues that might be associated with acquisition.
News.com.au
11-07-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
State of Origin great Sam Backo fighting for his life after fresh health blow
Queensland State of Origin great Sam Backo is fighting for his life. The former rugby league player watched Wednesday's State of Origin decider from the intensive care unit in Cairns Hospital. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. Backo, 64, has been in hospital after being diagnosed in April with melioidosis, a bacterial infection commonly found in soil and water in tropical regions. There has been a spike in cases for the Burkholderia pseudomallei bacterium, with 236 notifications and 36 deaths, mainly in the Cairns and Townsville areas, in the first six months of this year. The bacteria are often brought to the surface during flooding or excavations. According to Queensland Health, melioidosis can be contracted via inhalation of contaminated water droplets, soil or dust. Backo said be believes he may have got the infection during a swim in Freshwater Creek at Goomboora Park in Cairns. 'If anybody knows Goomboora, they'll know it's changed a little bit since the flooding,' Backo said. 'When I was sitting in the water I felt this little sting on that scratch — that's where I got the entry from. 'I'm very grateful for my wife, who's been beside me through this journey … all my family that have been praying for me,' Backo said, per the ABC. 'My wife kept saying to me, 'Darl, I think you should go to the doctor'. Then my daughters said I looked a bit grey in colour. Backo is now waiting for a bed at Princes Charles Hospital in Brisbane to have his implantable cardioverter defibrillator upgraded to a pacemaker. He said he was over the worst but had spoken to doctors about 'getting (his) affairs in order' should the worst happened. 'I previously said to them, you know, 'When your time's up, your time's up' — but I've had a rethink,' he said. 'I have 16 beautiful grandchildren. Backo played seven games for Queensland in 1988-90, playing alongside the likes of Wally Lewis and Allan Langer. He also made six appearances for the Australian Kangaroos in 1988-89. A hulking prop for the Canberra Raiders and Brisbane Broncos, Backo played 134 first grade games between 1983 and 1990, as well as representing Queensland in seven State of Origins and Australia in six Tests. In 2023, Backo was in a critical condition in hospital in Cairns after suffering a heart attack. NRL Immortal Wally Lewis said via The Daily Telegraph at the time: 'We wish him all the best, particularly the Queensland guys. 'He was such a dominant prop. When he came on, Sam just destroyed everyone that was in front of him. Sam was the size of a cement truck and he made the most of it. 'That dominating period for Sam, in the late 1980s, probably gave Queensland dominance in size for the first time. 'To have him in control up front, it gave blokes like me, Alf (Allan Langer) and Mal (Meninga) the time and space. He was unstoppable. 'With some of the great back lines we had, I used to give Sam a bit of a spray: 'Sam, we want time, we want some space … get it for us.' And he did it. 'Sam also had the voice that everyday tried to mimic. He certainly drew plenty of love and support from the Indigenous community. He was a very proud representative of that community. 'He was the size of a house.' Fellow former Queensland teammate Trevor Gillmeister described Backo as 'a champion fellow'. 'Sam doesn't take life too seriously and always has a smile on his face,' he said. 'They talk about big blokes these days with footwork but Sam was one of the first that was god on his feet for a big man.'
Daily Mail
11-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Footy legend Sam Backo is unrecognisable in intensive care as he battles life-threatening tropical disease that has killed 34 Aussies this year alone
Footy legend Sam Backo is in the fight of his life in hospital after being diagnosed with melioidosis earlier this year. The tropical disease has killed 34 Aussies this year - and the cult-hero prop, who played seven matches for Queensland - watched Wednesday's Origin decider from the intensive care unit at Cairns Hospital. 'I'm very grateful for my wife, who's been beside me through this journey...(and) all my family that have been praying for me,' Backo, 64, told the ABC. 'That's all they can really do.' Backo - who has been in hospital since April - believes he was infected following a swim in Freshwater Creek at Goomboora Park in Cairns. Backo's diagnosis also comes after he suffered a massive heart attack in 2023, which saw the former front-rower placed in an induced coma. At the time, Rugby league Immortal Wally Lewis, a former teammate of the man known as 'Slammin Sam', said the enforcer was 'unstoppable' up front. Backo recently revealed he was over the worst of the melioidosis - but given his other medical dramas, doctors urged him to 'get his affairs in order'. 'I previously said to them (family), "When your time's up, your time's up" — but I've had a rethink,' he said. Australia has been hit with an unprecedented increase in melioidosis cases this year. The disease, which is caused by bacteria lurking in mud and dirty water, is seasonal in nature, with cases often occurring during wet season when there has been heavy rain or flooding, such as that seen across Queensland during autumn. Those with underlying health conditions like diabetes and lung disease, along with people who drink a lot of alcohol, are urged to take precautions. Symptoms include fever, pneumonia, exhaustion, vomiting, abdominal pains and chest pressure. 'I have 16 beautiful grandchildren, I want to see them grow up into strong people.' 'He was such a dominant prop. Sam just destroyed everyone in front of him. Sam was the size of a cement truck and he made the most of it,' he said. 'That dominating period for Sam, in the late 1980s, probably gave Queensland dominance in size for the first was unstoppable. 'He certainly drew plenty of love and support from the indigenous community. He was a very proud representative of that community.' Backo played 134 first grade matches between 1983 and 1990 - 114 for the Canberra Raiders and 20 for the Brisbane Broncos. He was named in the Indigenous Australian team of the century and was the first Aussie forward to score tries in all three Tests during the Ashes series in 1988. Always a passionate Maroons supporter, Backo copped some grief this week for cheering too loudly while watching Billy Slater's men wrestle back the interstate shield at Accor Stadium. 'One of the nurses came around and roused on me,' he said. 'I tried to keep quiet for the rest of the game.'
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
NRL world rallies around Queensland legend after worrying news comes to light
NRL fans and commentators are sending well-wishes to Sam Backo amid news the Queensland State of Origin champion is in intensive care in Cairns. Backo, who played for Canberra and Brisbane in the 80s and 90s, has been hospitalised after contracting tropical disease melioidosis. The 64-year-old is currently in the intensive care unit at Cairns Hospital, but is said to be on the improve. It follows a massive heart attack he suffered two years ago, which has caused complications with the melioidosis. The 64-year-old has been in hospital since April, but managed to watch his beloved Queensland win the State of Origin decider on Wednesday night. "I'm very grateful for my wife, who's been beside me through this journey … all my family that have been praying for me," Backo told the . "One of the nurses came around and roused on me (during Origin). I tried to keep quiet for the rest of the game." Queensland has experienced a spike in melioidosis cases this year, particularly in the Cairns and Townsville regions. It is caused by a soil-dwelling bacterium found in tropical and sub-tropical regions like far north Queensland, and Backo believes he contracted the disease while swimming in a creek. Flooding is a common reason why the bacteria that causes melioidosis are brought to the surface. People usually contract melioidosis after making contact with contaminated soil or water while they have cuts or abrasions on their skin. Backo said he initially tried to ignore the symptoms before his family convinced him he needed to go to hospital. "I have 16 beautiful grandchildren. I want to see them grow up into strong people," he said. Former State of Origin player Sam Backo in intensive care with melioidosis infection as cases surge with 34 melioidosis deaths this year in North Queensland & FNQ — Mark Bailey MP (@MarkBaileyMP) July 10, 2025 The worrying new development comes after he was placed in an induced coma for 12 days in 2023 after suffering a heart attack. His wife Chrissy said at the time: "Sam's extended family and I have been overwhelmed and grateful for the heartfelt support for Sam and we have no doubt the prayers and spiritual blessings have helped Sam fight his biggest battle to date. "I am sure most of you will not be surprised at Sam's strong spirit and determination to get through this. Thank you for your ongoing concern for Sam and we too look forward to his continued improvement." Backo played 135 first-grade games from 1983 to 1990, becoming one of the toughest front-rowers in the game. After 115 games for Canberra he moved to England to play for Leeds Rhinos, before finishing his career at the Brisbane Broncos. He played seven State of Origin games for Queensland and six Test matches for Australia. In 1990 he became the first Australian forward to score a try in all three Test matches of an Ashes series against England - a feat that no one else has ever matched. He was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in 2000 for his contributions to rugby league, and was named in the Indigenous Team of the Century in 2001. In 2004 he was named in the Canberra Raiders' All-Indigenous team. RELATED: Queensland star escapes punishment after incident with Latrell Reece Walsh suffers fresh blow after Queensland Origin triumph Fans and commentators have flocked to social media with well-wishes for the 64-year-old. Wide World of Sports columnist 'The Mole' wrote: "Sad news with Queensland Maroons cult hero Sam Backo fighting a potentially deadly tropical disease in Cairns. He still managed to cheer the Maroons home from his hospital bed." One fan wrote: "So sorry to hear that. He's a tough man, he will fight it. Good luck Sam, hopefully you will be well soon." While another commented: "Get well soon Sam, you're a true legend."
ABC News
10-07-2025
- Health
- ABC News
Former State of Origin player Sam Backo in intensive care with melioidosis infection
Former Rugby League front rower Sam Backo continues to fight for his life after contracting the potentially deadly tropical disease melioidosis in Cairns. The 64-year-old watched Wednesday's night's State of Origin clash from the intensive care unit (ICU) at Cairns Hospital. Backo, who represented Queensland seven times between 1988 and 1990, has been in hospital since he was diagnosed with the disease in April. The infection comes two years after he survived a massive heart attack and underwent quadruple bypass surgery. "I'm very grateful for my wife, who's been beside me through this journey … all my family that have been praying for me," Backo said. Melioidosis cases have spiked dramatically in Queensland this year, with 236 notifications and 34 deaths, mostly in the Cairns and Townsville regions, recorded between January 1 and July 6. The 123 notifications in Cairns represented a fourfold increase on the average number of cases for the same period over the previous five years. The disease is caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, a soil-dwelling bacterium endemic to tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world. The bacteria is often brought to the surface during flooding or excavations. Melioidosis is primarily contracted via contact with contaminated soil or water, most commonly through cuts or abrasions, but can also be caught through the inhalation of dust or water droplets. Most people who become acutely ill develop symptoms within one to 21 days of exposure, although the disease can lie dormant in the human body for months, years or decades. Backo believes he was infected during a swim in Freshwater Creek at Goomboora Park in the Cairns suburb of Brinsmead. He had a small open sore on his upper buttock at the time. "If anybody knows Goomboora, they'll know it's changed a little bit since the flooding," Backo said. Backo tried to ignore the symptoms when they first appeared. "My wife kept saying to me, 'Darl, I think you should go to the doctor,'" he said. "Then my daughters said I looked a bit grey in colour. After four days of deteriorating health, Backo finally agreed to seek medical help. His wife, Chrissy Warren-Backo, took him to Cairns Hospital and dropped him at the front entrance while she found a park. "I'm leaning on a bollard and an old gentleman and his wife come walking up past me," Backo said. "He's looked at me and he said, 'Mate, are you alright?' "I knew then that something was wrong." Melioidosis can trigger a range of symptoms, including skin infections, ulcers and pneumonia. The bacteria can also enter the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body, causing high fever, organ failure and septic shock. Backo's condition has been complicated by his heart attack, which led to him being placed into an induced coma for 12 days. He is now waiting for a bed at Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane so he can have his implantable cardioverter defibrillator upgraded to a pacemaker. Backo said he was over the worst of the melioidosis but, given his other medical conditions, doctors had spoken with him about "getting [his] affairs in order" in case the worst happened. "I previously said to them, you know, 'When your time's up, your time's up' — but I've had a rethink," he said. "I have 16 beautiful grandchildren. Cairns Hospital and Hinterland Health Service tropical health services director Jacqui Murdoch said melioidosis was uncommon in healthy adults, and rarely seen in children. But she said it occasionally occurred in people with pre-existing medical conditions such diabetes or those with kidney or lung problems, or in people on medication that lowered the immune system. Dr Murdoch urged anyone who may be at higher risk to take precautions to avoid infection. "Try not to work outside if it's raining, control your diabetes and try to reduce your alcohol intake," she said. "When you go outside, wear protective footwear and gloves, wash your skin thoroughly after exposure to soil or muddy water, and wear a mask if you're using a hose or high-pressure cleaner around soil. Backo awoke feeling relatively chipper on Thursday morning after Queensland's textbook State of Origin win. But the former Canberra Raider did cop some strife for cheering too loudly while watching the game. "One of the nurses came around and roused on me," Backo said. "I tried to keep quiet for the rest of the game." He said the medical staff at Cairns Hospital were his "angels". "They're the ones that have been saving me the whole way through," Backo said.
