A spike in melioidosis cases in Cairns region raises alarm with health officials

Eight cases of a rare but serious disease have been reported in the Cairns region in the past week, as health officials warn residents to be on the lookout.

Eight cases of a rare but serious disease have been reported in the Cairns region in the past week, health officials warn residents to be on the lookout.

Eight cases of a rare but serious bacterial disease, found in soil and water, have been reported in the Cairns region in the past week, alarming health officials.

Experts have warned Far North residents to exercise extreme caution when coming into contact with dirt or muddy water, following the recent surge in cases of the potentially deadly disease, melioidosis.

Cairns Tropical Public Health Services director Dr Jacqueline Murdoch said heavy rainfall brought the bacteria, burkholderia pseudomallei, into surface water and soil.

“The effects can be very severe and often require hospitalisation for antibiotic treatment,” she said.

Cairns Tropical Public Health Services director Dr Jacqueline Murdoch said heavy rainfall brought the bacteria. Picture: Supplied.

“Symptoms of acute melioidosis may include fever, cough and difficulty breathing; it presents as superficial skin infections or abscesses in various part of the body.”

Health officials said the high number of cases is particularly alarming, as the wet season is still in its early stages.

Residents are therefore advised to take extra precautions, particularly when working in or around soil, muddy water, or flood-affected areas.

“Melioidosis adversely affects immunocompromised people and people with additional health issues such as diabetes, kidney problems, lung problems,” Dr Murdoch said.

Adding early recognition and prompt treatment to prevent severe outcomes is key.

Early recognition and prompt treatment to prevent severe outcomes is key, said health experts. Picture: Brendan Radke

“If anyone has noticed non-healing wounds or persistent fevers over several weeks, then they should be seen by their GP and checked for this infection, as it can require prolonged antibiotic treatment,” Dr Murdoch said.

The serious bacterial infection can lead to death in up to 50 per cent of untreated cases and about 20 per cent of those who receive treatment.

Dr Murdoch said there was no vaccine to prevent melioidosis and it was “vital” people took proper precautions.

“The disease is typically contracted through skin cuts or inhalation of dust particles contaminated with the bacteria,” she said.

This recent alert comes just one year on from when the tropical disease claimed the life of a Far North resident on January 24, just after the 2023 flood.

A Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS) spokesperson confirmed at the time, a patient had died from melioidosis on January 24, 2024 in the afternoon.

Due to patient confidentiality, health officials could not reveal the person’s gender, age or when they died.

People should wear gloves when coming into contact with dirt or muddy water. Picture: iStock

The TPHS director said to help minimise your chances of contracting an infection, residents can wear a mask when using high-pressure hoses or spraying bore water, wear gloves while gardening or farming, and cover any cuts with waterproof dressings.

“After contact with soil or muddy water, thoroughly wash up, preferably with a shower, people with diabetes should ensure proper foot care, seeking help from a podiatrist if needed,” Dr Murdoch said.

For more information about melioidosis, head to the Queensland Government's melioidosis fact page. 

Originally published as A spike in melioidosis cases in Cairns region raises alarm with health officials