Deadly bacterial infection melioidosis claims second victim in Townsville

A person has died after contracting melioidosis, the second to succumb to the deadly bacterial infection in Townsville in as many weeks.

A PERSON has died after contracting melioidosis, becoming the second patient to succumb to the deadly bacterial infection in Townsville in as many weeks.

Townsville Hospital confirmed on Tuesday afternoon a second person had died from melioidosis.

It is understood the patient had an underlying chronic illness before contracting melioidosis and chose not to receive active treatment for either condition.

Townsville Hospital could not confirm when the person died, their gender, or their age.

A spokesman for the hospital also revealed there has been one more confirmed case of melioidosis, bringing the total number of patients to 15 since February 1.

“Eight people have since recovered and are well enough to be discharged home while a further four people remain in a stable condition in The Townsville Hospital,” he said.

Melioidosis is an uncommon disease caused by a germ found in soil.

Townsville Public Health Unit acting director Dr Julie Mudd. Picture: Supplied

The majority of infections occur when skin abrasions or wounds come into contact with wet soil or water contaminated by the bacteria.

It occurs in some tropical areas of Northern Australia, including North Queensland.

The number of cases of melioidosis infections has skyrocketed since the unprecedented flood event.

Townsville Public Health Unit acting director Dr Julie Mudd said people at increased risk of contracting melioidosis were the already unwell, elderly or people with existing chronic conditions.

Dr Mudd said as the soil dried out the risk of contracting this illness would go back to its usual level, which is very low.

“However, we are asking people to still take precautions when cleaning up,” she said.

The Townsville Public Health Unit is still expecting additional cases as the incubation period for melioidosis can take weeks and proactive testing for melioidosis will continue.

According to Queensland Health, melioidosis can present in several different ways including:

— Infection of the lungs, which can range from mild bronchitis to severe pneumonia. As a result, patients may also experience fever, headache, loss of appetite (anorexia), cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and general muscle soreness.

— Septicaemic pneumonia (infection throughout the bloodstream, as well as the lungs) can cause fever, headache, breathing difficulties, abdominal pain, joint pain, and disorientation

— Melioidosis can spread from the skin through the blood to become a chronic form of melioidosis affecting the heart, brain, liver, kidneys, joints, and eyes (disseminated). Symptoms of disseminated melioidosis infection include fever, weight loss, stomach or chest pain, muscle or joint pain, headache, and seizures

— Localised infections may present with pain, localised swelling, skin infection, ulceration, and abscess formation (with associated fever and muscle aches and pains).

Originally published as Deadly bacterial infection melioidosis claims second victim in Townsville