The Wet Season is not quite here but Territorians are already being warned to protect themselves from the potentially deadly soil-borne disease, melioidosis.

Director of the Centre for Disease Control, Dr Vicki Krause, said unseasonably heavy September rains along with the prospect of more wet weather had sparked the melioidosis warning.

She said contact with pooled muddy water and aerosolised soil during heavy rain heightened the likelihood of exposure to the melioidosis bacteria.

“During the dry season, melioidosis bacteria live deep within the soil but as the rains set in, larger amounts of the bacteria come to the surface where they can come in to contact with humans,” Dr Krause said.

”The bacteria can invade the body through cuts and sores but it can also be breathed in if it’s stirred up by the wind.”

Dr Krause said melioidosis infection can sometimes lead to severe pneumonia and blood poisoning.

It can be a fatal disease with up to 15 per cent of those with the disease dying. Those with other chronic medical conditions are most at risk of severe disease, Dr Krause said.  

“Most commonly the disease presents with symptoms of fever, cough and breathing difficulties but melioidosis presentations can vary greatly.”

The incubation period from when someone is exposed and infected to when they are acutely unwell can range from 1 to 21 days. In some cases the onset of symptoms is slower and will include features like weight loss or sores that do not heal.

“People with weaker immune systems, such as those with diabetes, kidney disease, lung disease, cancer and treatment for cancer and people on steroid therapy are at greater risk of developing the disease if the bacteria enters their body.  

“People who consume large amounts of alcohol are at a greater risk of getting melioidosis and this also includes people who binge drink.

“It’s very important people in any of these categories stay indoors during heavy wind and rain,” Dr Krause said.

To avoid contracting melioidosis it’s recommended to wear waterproof footwear around mud, soil and pooled water and to wear gloves when handling soil or muddy items.

“People who work with soil such as gardeners and building tradespeople should always wear protective clothing, as healthy people can get the disease if they are exposed to mud, pooled water or aerosolised soil.

“Those using high-pressure hoses around soil should use masks as the bacteria can be breathed in through the mouth or nose.”

Anyone with concerns about melioidosis should contact their local GP or hospital.

A fact sheet with more information on melioidosis is available at:

http://www.health.nt.gov.au/library/scripts/objectifyMedia.aspx?file=pdf/43/46.pdf

Media Contact: Fred McCue 0401 119 792