Tropical Public Health Services (Cairns) Acting Director Dr Annie Preston-Thomas warns cases of Leptospirosis on rise

People have been admitted to intensive care amid an increase in a cases of a severe bacterial disease, with public health officials warning Far North Queenslanders to be alert.

People have been admitted to intensive care amid an increase in cases of a severe bacterial disease, with public health officials warning Far North Queenslanders to be alert.

On Friday the Tropical Public Health Services (Cairns) acting director Dr Annie Preston-Thomas, said cases of Leptospirosis, a dangerous soil-borne bacterial disease is rising.

She said the disease occurs throughout mainland Australia but is more common in the tropics, especially after flooding.

“We previously have had six to eight people diagnosed for this time of the year,” she said.

“We have already had 10 people this year, including two admitted to intensive care, so the number is rising.

“Symptoms of Leptospirosis include a fever, bloodshot eyes, headache, serious muscle ache, a cough and vomiting.”

Dr Preston-Thomas said the bacteria was common among animals and their urine could contaminate waterways.

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, Tropical Public Health Services, Dr Annie Preston-Thomas, urged people to take extra care as cases of Leptospirosis, a dangerous soil-borne bacterial disease was rising. File Picture: Alison Paterson

“When people come into contact with contaminated water, mud or infected foliage, they can get quite sick,” she said.

Dr Preston-Thomas said the disease was often encountered by people who work in the great outdoors.

“We often see it in banana farmers, cane cutters and other agricultural workers,” she said.

“If people are doing any recreational activities such as camping, hiking and swimming in waterways where could be contaminated by urine, they need to be careful.

“People need to wear waterproof shoes and gloves and use waterproof dressings if they get cuts.”

While people understand the physical risks of flooding, she said they may not be aware of this disease Dr Preston-Thomas.

“We know in the wet season there’s many serious risks associated with flooded waters,” she said.

“We ask if people to be aware and if they do develop those symptoms to get early treatment which can make a difference.”

Originally published as Tropical Public Health Services (Cairns) Acting Director Dr Annie Preston-Thomas warns cases of Leptospirosis on rise