QLD father-of-two Evan Brown dies three weeks after contracting tropical disease during damaging floods

"Surrounded by his family, Evan took his final breath, releasing himself from the pain that he has endured over the last three weeks and is now at peace.”

Dominique Birouste

2 min read

March 6, 2024 - 9:49PM

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A Cairns father of two has sadly passed away just three weeks after being diagnosed with a lethal tropical bacterial infection following the floods in December.

Evan Brown, a 40-year-old sales assistant, was admitted to the hospital on February 13, suffering from multiple organ failure and septicaemia, later identified as melioidosis.

Despite being rushed to Gold Coast University Hospital, Mr Brown succumbed to the illness, surrounded by loved ones on March 4, as stated by his sister-in-law, Harley, in an online announcement.

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A heartbreaking announcement

“Today (March 4), surrounded by his family, Evan took his final breath, releasing himself from the pain that he has endured over the last three weeks and is now at peace,” she wrote.

“Unfortunately, Evan’s body did not respond to the specific medication that is used to treat melioidosis, and despite his best efforts, he wasn’t able to fight the infection.

“We ask that you keep Sarah, the kids and Ev’s extended family in your thoughts and give them some time and space to come to terms with their new reality of a life without him.”

Mr Brown is survived by his wife, Sarah and two children, Connor, 11 and Mia, 8. Source: GoFundMe

What is Melioidosis?

Melioidosis, a severe bacterial infection found in groundwater and soil, tends to surge after significant wet weather events.

Evan's death marks the second recent tragedy linked to melioidosis in the region, following a January fatality from the same disease.

In 2023, a separate incident saw seven children diagnosed with melioidosis after an outbreak at a Cairns private school.

A spokesperson from Cairns Hinterland Hospital and Health Service confirmed 25 melioidosis cases in the Cairns and Hinterland and Torres and Cape region since the beginning of the year, surpassing the usual figures.

Dr Richard Gair, director of Tropical Public Health Services Cairns, explained that melioidosis occurs when skin abrasions or wounds come into contact with water or soil contaminated by the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei.

“Melioidosis is very uncommon in healthy adults and rarely seen in children, but can occasionally occur in people with diabetes, kidney problems, lung problems and people on medication that lowers their immune system,” Dr Gair said.

“Symptoms of acute Melioidosis may include fever, cough and difficulty breathing; the effects can be very severe and often require hospitalisation for antibiotic treatment.

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

Burkholderia pseudomallei can cause melioidosis, a potentially fatal infectious disease in humans and animals. Source: Cairns Post

Seek help fast

Evan's family emphasised the importance of seeking help for lingering symptoms, urging individuals to pursue second opinions if unwell for extended periods.

“Please remember to push for second opinions if you are unwell for extended periods of time, we hope that our family’s pain can help your family avoid experiencing it and keep Evan’s memory alive in the process,” Harley wrote.

Mr Brown is survived by his wife, Sarah and two children, Connor, 11 and Mia, 8.

Support for the family

A GoFundMe page has been organised to help his family.

The fundraiser has already raised over $18k of its $20k goal and was updated on 4 March with the following message, “There will continue to be an ongoing financial burden for Evs family during this time.

"If this pressure can continue be alleviated even in the slightest it will allow Sarah the time she needs to grieve and support Connor and Mia through this next chapter, so please continue to share and donate where possible!”