Elderly person dies from melioidosis in Townsville, three cases of dengue recorded

North Queensland has recorded its first death from melioidosis in the wake of the 2025 floods as more dengue virus cases are discovered. DETAILS

Health professionals are calling on their communities to be vigilant in preventing dengue outbreaks.

Townsville has recorded its first death from melioidosis in the wake of the 2025 floods.

The Townsville Public Health Unit has confirmed an elderly person died from melioidosis in the past week, while three new cases of dengue virus were also being investigated.

The new cases were identified in two adjacent houses in South Townsville and come after two cases, the first locally-acquired cases of dengue detected since 2020, were identified earlier in the year at North Ward.

This follows serious flooding in Townsville, Ingham, and parts of the Burdekin.

Townsville Public Health Unit Director Dr Steven Donohue said investigations haven’t yet confirmed if the cases were linked.

There are renewed calls for the community to stay alert to the dangers of the both illnesses, with Dr Donohue saying cases of melioidosis have increased during the wet season and after the recent flooding event.

“Melioidosis is a very serious infectious disease which is caused by soil bacteria in northern Australia,” Dr Donohue said.

“It can enter the body when a break in the skin comes into contact with contaminated water or by breathing in muddy droplets, causing pneumonia.

A young man walks through flood waters in Ingham. Picture: Cameron Bates

“People at most risk of contracting melioidosis are already unwell, elderly, have existing chronic conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease, or are heavy alcohol users.”

Symptoms for the infectious disease include fever, cough, chest pain, weight loss, muscle pain and headaches, and can develop within days or weeks of exposure to the bacteria.

It can be diagnosed from blood or urine samples and treated with antibiotics.

Dr Donohue urged the community to take precautions, specifically in the clean-up efforts following the floods.

“It’s important to wear gloves, shoes and protective clothing when coming into contact with soil or floodwater, and you should wear a mask if you’re pressure hosing mud to prevent inhaling germs in droplets,” he said.

“I also encourage community members to check in on the elderly, those with health issues or disabilities, and if they are sick or have a fever call a doctor or an ambulance.

“If you sustain a cut or wound, it’s important to wash it with soap, apply antiseptic and a waterproof bandage, and visit a doctor for significant injuries; you may need a tetanus booster shot and there is a potential for septicaemia.”

Two people walk through flood waters in Ingham. Pics Adam Head

Dr Donohue said the potential for mosquito-borne diseases increases at this time of year.

“It’s important to note that dengue remains uncommon due to successful measures we’ve taken to modify local mosquito populations to suppress their ability to carry the virus,” he said.

“While the risk of dengue virus remains low, I still urge the community to take precautions at home; use a zapper or mosquito coil, keep screens shut to prevent mosquitoes entering your home, remove pooled water where they can breed, and wear protective clothing and repellent to prevent bites.”

Queenslanders can learn more about melioidosis, dengue virus, and other diseases and infections by calling 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).

Originally published as Elderly person dies from melioidosis in Townsville, three cases of dengue recorded