Health Minister Tim Nicholls says research is being conducted into large spike of melioidosis cases

The state government will interrogate the cause behind a deadly outbreak of melioidosis cases in the north, with Health Minister Tim Nicholls warning Queenslanders not to be complacent with the waterborne disease already claiming 31 lives this year.

MP Natalie Marr, Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls and Pharmacist and proprietor Cate's chemist, Cate Whalan. Picture: Shae Beplate.

The state government will interrogate the cause behind a deadly outbreak of melioidosis cases in the north, with Health Minister Tim Nicholls warning Queenslanders not to be complacent with the waterborne disease already claiming 31 lives this year.

“Make no mistake, melioidosis is a killer,” Mr Nicholls said.

“It is a particular killer for people with existing comorbidities. It’s a long course of treatment and recovery takes a long time.”

Queensland Health has confirmed 31 people have died from the disease, with 221 cases reported this year.

This is an increase compared to the same time period last year. Areas with the most reported cases include North Queensland and particularly in Townsville.

The rare disease is caused by bacteria found in soil and occurs across tropical areas of Australia and South East Asia.

Mr Nicholls said research is already being conducted to try and understand where it’s occurring and why.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls in Townsville Picture: Shae Beplate.

“There are a number of theories that are being promoted,” he said.

“What we do know is that the bacteria rises from the soil when there have been heavy seasons of rain, as we all know much to the cost of many Queenslanders, we’ve had an enormously wet season over the last five months or so.”

“That has led to the increase in the number of cases and sadly the number of deaths we’ve seen.

When asked about the Government’s job in raising awareness of the disease, Mr Nicholls said Queensland Health identified the issue “early” and began spreading the message of the dangers when the wet weather began earlier in the year.

“We reinforce that message and we continue to do research to understand both the cause of it and to see what we can do to moderate the effects and hopefully come up with some solution,” he said.

Mr Nicholls said “an ounce of prevention is worth a ton of cure”.

“There are some very simple things that people can do about melioidosis. Don’t go into muddy or dirty water. Make sure you are wearing proper footwear, that you’re wearing enclosed clothes …”

Those with existing health conditions and the elderly are most susceptible to the disease.

For more information on melioidosis visit the Queensland Government website.

Originally published as Health Minister Tim Nicholls says research is being conducted into large spike of melioidosis cases