Cairns patient dies from deadly bacterial infection melioidosis following December floods

A deadly tropical disease has claimed its first Far North victim of 2024, with health authorities warning communities to avoid flood waters as another cyclone bears down on the region.

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS) confirmed a patient has died from meliodosis on Wednesday afternoon. Image: Stewart McLean

A deadly tropical disease has claimed its first Far North victim of 2024, with health authorities warning communities to avoid flood waters as another cyclone bears down on the region.

A Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS) spokesperson confirmed a patient had died from melioidosis on Wednesday afternoon.

Due to patient confidentiality, health officials could not reveal the person’s gender, age or when they died.

A serious bacterial infection found in groundwater and soil, melioidosis cases typically spike after major wet weather events with at least two patients succumbing to the illness following Townsville’s 2019 floods.

Cairns Tropical Public Health Services director Dr Richard Gair wants to promote more discussion about flood-related illnesses within the public. Picture: Brendan Radke

The Far North’s dual natural disasters in December has led to a major increase in cases with nine recorded this month, including several from the city’s southern corridor.

With flooding expected in areas south of Cairns again this week, Cairns Tropical Public Health Services director Dr Richard Gair urged residents to take precautions.

“Melioidosis is transmitted through either abrasions in the skin, ingestion of contaminated water or inhalation of dust or water drops,” he said.

“It can be prevented by avoiding contact with floodwaters.

“(If you can’t avoid contact) wear gloves and boots. If you do get mud on your skin then wash it away and if you have any abrasions make sure they’re well covered with dressings.”

Dr Gair called on the media to do a better job of highlighting the fatal consequences of the disease.

“Prior to the cyclone we did extensive messaging about melioidosis and leptospirosis declaring that this could be a problem,” he said.

“I don’t know how effective the messaging was because I saw lots of pictures of people in bare feet (in floodwaters). One of the problems was the media didn’t put it out there.

“We’re giving the information out again. There’s still a risk and we want people to be aware.”

Melioidosis causes death in up to 50 per cent or more of untreated cases and up to 20 per cent of treated cases.

“There is also a delay between being exposed to floodwaters and mud and the disease developing,” Dr Gair said.

CHHHS has recorded nine cases of meliodosis in the region this month. Image: Stewart McLean

With Tropical Cyclone Kirrily potentially leading to yet another spike in melioidosis patients, curbing case numbers remained a high priority, a CHHHS spokesperson said.

“It is vital that people avoid contact with soil or muddy water, particularly after heavy rains,” the spokesperson said.

Three melioidosis cases were recorded in the Cairns region during December. Symptoms include chest pain, headaches and muscle and joint pain.

Preventing melioidosis

There is no vaccine to prevent melioidosis. During the wet season, residents, particularly those with an underlying medical condition, should take the following precautions.

• Wear protective footwear when outdoors

• Wear gloves while working in the garden, on the farm etc.

• Cover abrasions and sores with waterproof dressings

• Wash thoroughly (preferably shower) after exposure to soil or muddy water, and after working outdoors

• Diabetics should maintain optimal foot care, with help from a podiatrist if necessary.

Originally published as Cairns patient dies from deadly bacterial infection melioidosis following December floods