CHHHS, Far North medical bodies investigate ‘record’ spike in melioidosis cases

The cause of a ‘record-breaking’ tropical disease outbreak is under investigation by peak medical bodies, following 12 deaths across North Queensland but what is melioidosis?

The cause of a spike in melioidosis cases in Far North Queensland is under investigation by peak health bodies including Tropical Public Health Services, confirmed director Jacqueline Murdoch.

One in five people are dying of a record breaking tropical disease with more than three times the number of cases reported this year compared to last.

And authorities are still unsure what is causing it beyond recent flooding.

Since January 1, 2025, nine Cairns and three Townsville residents have died from melioidosis, a serious but rare bacterial disease found in South-East Asia and northern Australia.

There have been 84 confirmed cases and 15 deaths since the beginning of this year across Cairns and Townsville.

Tropical Public Health Services director Dr Jacqueline Murdoch said her team was working closely with health bodies.

“We are yet to pinpoint exactly why we are seeing so many cases now, and there are likely to be many factors at play,” Dr Murdoch said.

“We’re investigating why there are such high numbers this year and we don’t really know exact reasons why, (but) certainly the climate has something to do with it.

Tropical Public Health Services director Dr Jacqueline Murdoch said her team was investigating the cause of a 'record-breaking' spike in melioidosis cases around Cairns since January 1, 2025. Photo: Catherine Duffy.

“Such a big rainy season last year is likely contributing to the high numbers this year.”

Melioidosis, is a bacteria-borne disease that can be found in soil and is often brought to the surface by heavy rain or flooding.

Dr Murdoch said the disease could occur when skin abrasions or wounds came into contact with wet soil or water, or by breathing in dust or droplets, especially during storms or spray from high pressure hoses.

“Most people are still getting it from breathing it in so when there’s that heavy rain, the bacteria becomes airborne and people breathe it in,” she said.

“Most of the people we’re seeing are having severe disease with pneumonia or infection in their blood stream.”

The Cairns Hospital and Hinterland Health Service confirmed in the year to date February 2024 to February 2025, 94 cases of melioidosis had been reported.

Melioidosis, a bacteria-borne disease, can be found in soil and is often brought to the surface by heavy rain or flooding. Picture: Brendan Radke

Most cases were in Cairns and Hinterland at 56 per cent with 33 per cent in Townsville.

Melioidosis is uncommon in healthy adults, and rarely seen in children, but can occur in people with diabetes, kidney problems, lung problems, people who have heavy alcohol consumption, and people on immunosuppressant medication, including cancer treatment.

Most cases in Cairns have been linked to suburban areas such as Edmonton, Manunda and Manoora.

“Certainly we saw cases start to increase some years ago when the highway was being constructed (in Edmonton) and we have seen hypotheses that (melioidosis) was related,” she said.

“Cases started to increase just after Christmas and then we got another big increase sort of around Australia Day and after we had that heavy rainfall, that was affecting the Cairns region.”

Melioidosis is primarily treated with intravenous and oral antibiotics. Photo: Supplied.

While serious, melioidosis can be treated with intravenous and oral antibiotics, however prevention and early detection is key.

“If people are concerned, particularly people in those risk groups, they need to present early to seek healthcare,” Dr Murdoch said.

“So people who have a fever, trouble breathing or a cough in particular, need to present early to their GP or (emergency department) to be assessed because it is a very serious disease and it can progress very quickly.”

Symptoms of acute melioidosis can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing, which left untreated, can require hospitalisation.

“Sometimes the disease presents as superficial skin infections or abscesses in various parts of the body,” she said.

Dr Murdoch encouraged those at risk to stay indoors during heavy rain and storms.

“If you are working outside, wear protective footwear and gloves,” she said.

“Wash your skin thoroughly after exposure to soil or muddy water.

“Wear a mask if you’re using a hose or high-pressure cleaner around soil.”

Originally published as CHHHS, Far North medical bodies investigate ‘record’ spike in melioidosis cases