Latest news with #TownsvillePublicHealthUnit
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Rare soil-borne disease claims 12 lives
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).
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
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.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Alert after death from infectious disease
An elderly person has died from the serious infectious disease, melioidosis, that can be contracted from contaminated water, prompting a warning to residents in flood-affected North Queensland. The Townsville Public Health Unit said the elderly person died from melioidosis in the past week, while there have been three new cases of dengue virus. Director Dr Steven Donohue said melioidosis cases had increased during the wet season and after the major rains and flooding earlier in February. 'Melioidosis is a very serious infectious disease which is caused by soil bacteria in northern Australia,' Dr Donohue said. 'It can enter the body when a break in the skin comes into contact with contaminated water or by breathing in muddy droplets, causing pneumonia.' Symptoms for the infectious disease include fever, cough, chest pain, weight loss, muscle pain and headaches, and can develop within days or weeks of exposure to the bacteria. It can be diagnosed from blood or urine samples and treated with antibiotics. Dr Donohue urged residents to take precautions in the clean-up efforts following the floods. 'It's important to wear gloves, shoes and protective clothing when coming into contact with soil or floodwater, and you should wear a mask if you're pressure hosing mud to prevent inhaling germs in droplets,' he said. He also warned people to take precautions against dengue fever, although the risk 'remains low'. 'Use a zapper or mosquito coil, keep screens shut to prevent mosquitoes entering your home, remove pooled water where they can breed, and wear protective clothing and repellent to prevent bites.' Queenslanders can learn more about melioidosis, dengue virus, and other diseases and infections by calling 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).
