More deaths from deadly Melioidosis disease found in flood water in Far North Queensland

Another four people have died due to a dangerous bacterial disease plaguing far north Queensland, bringing the total number of deaths to twelve.

Queensland health confirmed the news on Tuesday, with 53 cases of Melioidosis recorded in the state’s far north since January 1.

Experts are still investigating the cause of the disease spike, with the majority of cases occurring in Cairns’ southern corridor, where nine people have died.

In Townsville the death toll from the soil-borne disease stands at three.

“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,” Tropical Public Health Services director Dr Jacqueline Murdoch said.

“We are yet to pinpoint exactly why we are seeing so many cases now, and there are likely to be many factors at play.”

Murdoch said people with pre-existing health conditions are more at risk and need to take special precautions.

“The people who are at most risk of serious illness are those with underlying health conditions like diabetes, kidney problems, lung problems, and people on medication that lowers their immune system.

“If you are immunosuppressed, and you develop a chest infection or fever, it’s important to seek medical assistance.”

Melioidosis can occur when skin abrasions or wounds come into contact with wet soil or water, or by breathing in dust or droplets, especially during storms.

“Heavy rainfall can bring disease-causing bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei into surface water and soil,” said Dr Murdoch.

North Queensland is still recovering from record rainfall that triggered floods, and claimed the lives of two people, while forcing hundreds of others to evacuate their homes.

Although melioidosis is said to be very uncommon in healthy adults, and rarely seen in children, it can occur in people with underlying medical conditions and those on immunosuppressant medications for treatments including cancer.

“Symptoms of acute melioidosis may include fever, cough and difficulty breathing; the effects can be very severe and often require hospitalisation for antibiotic treatment,” Kennedy said.

“Sometimes the disease presents as superficial skin infections or abscesses in various part of the body.”