Ongoing rain and flooding in Queensland and Northern Territory spark Melioidosis alert

Health authorities are warning the public to remain vigilant after a spike in melioidosis cases in northern Australia.

Health authorities in the Northern Territory and Queensland are warning of a spike in a deadly tropical disease which has killed three people this wet season.

Melioidosis is commonly found in tropical soil and water in northern Australia, and a person with the disease has a 20 per cent to 50 per cent chance of dying once it infects the brain.

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

Northern Territory Health revealed that since the start of the wet season on October 1, 2023, there have been 22 cases and two deaths reported in the state, with six of those cases diagnosed in the past week.

The health department has warned more cases are expected and urged residents to be aware of melioidosis symptoms.

This summer has been extremely wet for much of Queensland and parts of the Northern Territory, with two cyclones and a strong monsoon trough soaking the Top End and Far North.

QFES personnel on the ground in Far North Queensland helping out with flooding after Tropical Cyclone Jasper dropped a huge amount of rain on the area. Picture: QFES

Heavy rainfall is a large contributor to the disease as it brings the bacteria to the soil and water surfaces, where it can become airborne.

It comes as Queensland authorities have also warned residents in flood affected regions not to enter waters due to the risk of infection.

The state has recorded nine confirmed melioidosis cases since the beginning of January, with Queensland health stating it was high for that time of year.

One of these cases, a Cairns patient, succumbed to the deadly disease following the December floods.

As residents continue the clean-up from both ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper and Kirrily, health authorities are concerned with the ongoing risk of melioidosis.

Melioidosis is commonly found in tropical soil and water in northern Australia.

Last year the NT recorded 87 melioidosis cases and six deaths – 37 more than the average 50 cases – during the wet season, which ends in April.

With more wet weather predicated, health experts are concerned for a further spike in cases and are urging all residents in these regions to stay vigilant.