Three people die from rare soil-borne disease after flooding in ...

22 days ago

9News

Three people die from rare soilborne disease after flooding in

Three people have died from the rare soil-borne bacterial disease melioidosis in Townsville following devastating floods in Far North Queensland.

Three people have died from the rare soil-borne bacterial disease melioidosis in Townsville following devastating floods in Far North Queensland.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service said two people died yesterday and one died last week in the region's first few deaths from the disease this year.

There are another 21 cases.

Dr Steven Donohue, the region's public health director, said cases of melioidosis have increased throughout the wet season and led to hospitalisations.

"Melioidosis is a very serious infectious disease which is caused by soil bacteria in northern Australia," 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."

Between January 1 and February 16, seven people died and 69 people contracted melioidosis across Queensland.

ADF to build temporary bridge to give access to flood-ravaged town

Melioidosis is a rare tropical disease caused by bacteria called Burkholderia pseudomallei, which is typically found in soil and water in South-East Asia and northern Australia.

The bacteria is found in deep soil and rises to muddy surfaces during the wet season, which occurs in Townsville from November to April.

Donohue said those most at risk of contracting melioidosis are the sick, elderly, diagnosed with chronic conditions or heavy alcohol users.

A petri plate containing multiple colonies of Burkholderia pseudomallei bacteria, which can cause melioidosis. (AP)

"Symptoms of melioidosis include fever, cough, chest pain, weight loss, muscle pain and headaches," he said.

"Symptoms can develop within days or weeks of exposure to the bacteria, but in some cases the illness might relapse months or even years after the initial infection.

While no vaccine exists to prevent melioidosis, those who contract the disease can be treated with strong antibiotics.

Townsville residents, tasked with the mammoth clean-up duty following the torrential wet weather, are urged to protect themselves to avoid contracting melioidosis.

"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," Donohue said.

"I also encourage community members to check in on the elderly, those with health issues or disabilities, and if they are sick or have a fever call a doctor or an ambulance."

Anyone who has noticed non-healing wounds, a chest infection or fever is urged to seek medical assistance.