Melioidosis outbreak largest in Townsville in recent memory, three killed

Townsville has officially experienced its largest outbreak of a deadly soil-borne disease in recent years, claiming the lives of three people.

THREE people have died in what has been Townsville’s worst outbreak of a deadly soil-borne disease in recent years.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service confirmed the most recent case of melioidosis was reported in the second week of May.

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

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 skyrocketed after the unprecedented flood event.

“So far this year there has been 17 cases from the Townsville Hospital and Health Service area, the highest number of melioidosis cases (year to date) since 2013,” Townsville Public Health Unit director Steven Donohue said.

“We have seen the number of cases decrease since February’s flooding; however, melioidosis cases are seen occasionally throughout the year and we’ve seen isolated cases, as we do most years.

“In February there were two deaths from melioidosis and sadly a third person died from the illness in April.”

The Townsville Bulletin understands the first victim was a woman in her late 50s and was already unwell when she contracted the bacterial infection.

The age and gender of the other two victims is unknown.

Dr Donohue said those who are unwell, elderly or have existing chronic conditions are the most likely to be infected.

“During the dry season the bacterium is found in deeper soil layers but during the wet season it can be found in surface mud which is why we see most cases during the wet season and increases in cases following flooding events,” he said.

There are currently no patients in the Townsville Hospital and Health Service region receiving treatment for melioidosis.

Originally published as Melioidosis outbreak largest in Townsville in recent memory, three killed