Melioidosis
Melioidosis is a rare tropical disease caused by bacteria called Burkholderia pseudomallei. The bacteria are commonly found in soil and water in South-East Asia and northern Australia. Sometimes there have been infections in south Queensland. Melioidosis cases often occur during the wet season after heavy rain or flooding.
Signs and symptoms
Melioidosis is rare in healthy adults and children. Most people exposed to the bacteria do not get sick.
People can feel unwell between 1-21 days after being infected with the bacteria.
Symptoms may include fever, cough and difficulty breathing as a sign of a lung infection ('pneumonia'). If not treated quickly, the infection can spread to other areas of the body causing severe illness including sepsis (‘blood poisoning’) and sometimes death.
Melioidosis can also cause non-healing ulcers or skin sores.
People most at risk of becoming sick with melioidosis include:
- people with long-term health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, chronic lung and kidney disease
- people who drink alcohol heavily
Treatment
Melioidosis is treated with strong antibiotics for at least three months. People who are very sick will usually need to go to hospital and might need treatment in intensive care. It’s important to seek urgent medical attention if melioidosis is suspected as it can be fatal if not treated with the right antibiotics.
Transmission
The bacteria are found in deep soil, rising up to muddy surface waters in the wet season. Most cases of melioidosis occur during the wet season after heavy rain or flooding.
The bacteria can enter the body from the soil through skin cuts and sores, breathing it in, or drinking contaminated water.
The bacteria do not usually spread from people or animals.
After exposure, people can get sick a few days to many years later.
Prevention
There is no vaccine to prevent melioidosis, but people can take steps to protect themselves. In North Queensland, especially during the wet season, people who are at risk should:
- Avoid contact with soil or muddy water, particularly after heavy rains.
- Wear waterproof footwear and use rubber gloves for gardening or while working outdoors
- Open wounds, lesions or burns should be protected from coming into contact with potentially contaminated soil or water by using waterproof dressings. If potential exposure occurs skin should be washed thoroughly.
- Foot and wound care and infection prevention is important for people with diabetes.
- Consider wearing a mask when using a high-pressure hose around soil or spraying high-pressure bore water.
- People participating in mud play or activities that include exposure to deeper layers of mud should be aware of the possible increased risk of melioidosis.
Health outcome
Melioidosis is rare in healthy adults and children and most people exposed to the bacteria do not get sick. For people who do get sick, the infection can be life-threatening, and prompt medical attention is required.
Help and assistance
For further information, call your doctor, health centre or nearest public health unit. You can also call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you are in an emergency situation, call 000