There are now 21 confirmed melioidosis cases and one death so far this wet season. With continued monsoonal rains the Centre for Disease Control expects the number of confirmed cases to rise … daily.
The Centre is repeating its warning that contact with mud, groundwater and aerosolised soil during the Wet Season increases the chance of exposure to the potentially fatal bacteria that causes melioidosis and the contact is not just confined to the garden.
Director, Dr Vicki Krause said more cases are expected as the time from infection to acute disease is from 1 to 21 days and the rain over the past week will have put many at risk.
“Exposure is often from just walking unprotected across muddy paths and flooded backyards or through surface water while walking around town or on a construction site.
“Being outside during windy, wet conditions can also provide an opportunity for exposure to airborne bacteria and it is important that people at increased risk of getting melioidosis stay indoors during heavy wind and rain.
Additionally, while melioidosis is uncommon in the Centre, cases have occurred following floods—such as the 6 cases of melioidosis that were notified after the floods in 2011. With the current floods, residents in the Centre should also protect themselves from contact with mud and surface water. Hospital staff have been alerted to people possibly presenting with melioidosis in the coming days and weeks.
“Most cases have conditions making them more susceptible so people need to be aware of these conditions and modify them where possible.
“People who consume large amounts of alcohol or binge drink are at increased risk of melioidosis as wells as people with diabetes and those with weaker immune systems, including people with kidney disease, lung disease and those undergoing cancer or steroid treatments.
“It is also important that people new to the Territory are aware of this disease, melioidosis, and take precautions where possible and seek medical attention should symptoms develop.
Symptoms such as fever, cough and breathing difficulties are most common for melioidosis but presentations can vary greatly.
“Melioidosis bacteria live deep in the soil during the dry season but after rain, larger amounts of the bacteria are brought to the surface and this poses a risk of exposure. Cuts and sores provide portals for the bacteria to invade the body and wind over surface water can aerosolise the bacteria.
In some cases the onset of symptoms is slower and will include features like weight loss or sores that do not heal. A sore that does not heal in two weeks should be assessed by a doctor.
To avoid contracting melioidosis, stay away from mud and areas of pooled water where possible. If contact is unavoidable wear waterproof footwear around mud, soil and areas of pooled water and wear gloves when handling soil or mud-soaked items.
It is important that people who are particularly at risk of getting melioidosis stay indoors during heavy wind and rain.
Anyone concerned they may have melioidosis should contact their local GP or hospital.
Fact sheet information on melioidosis is available here and for non- healing ulcers here
Media Contact: Lorraine Hook 8999 2818 or 0427 596 954