NT’s melioidosis cases on the rise, experts advise caution in wet weather

Territorians are recording melioidosis case numbers at a rapid rate, prompting warnings from the Centre for Disease Control.

Melioidosis is most common during the wet season, and can enter the body through cuts and sores. Picture: Supplied

A harmful bacterial disease is spreading through the NT at double its usual rate.

Melioidosis is most common during the wet season and can enter the body through cuts and sores, or inhaled via dust and aerosolised soil.

Centre for Disease Control acting director Dr Rosalind Webby said 22 cases of the disease had been reported since October 1, with eight reported in the past week.

“Approximately 50 cases of melioidosis are reported in the NT each year, with a majority of those diagnosed between November and April,” she said.

“To date, 13 cases have been reported this month, double the amount of what is expected for this time of year.”

Dr Webby said melioidosis most often causes lung infections but could also affect other parts of the body, including skin sores “which don’t easily heal”.

“If left untreated, melioidosis can lead to severe pneumonia and blood poisoning, with around 10 per cent of infections leading to death,” she said.

The most common symptoms of the disease include fever, breathing difficulties, and a cough with mucus.

These symptoms usually develop within three weeks of exposure to the bacteria, but could take several months or years.

Melioidosis can be treated with an initial round of antibiotics in the hospital, to be continued at home for at least three months.

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Originally published as NT’s melioidosis cases on the rise, experts advise caution in wet weather