Public Health Alert Following Confirmed Melioidosis Cases

Residents across the Mackay region are being urged to take extra care during post-rain clean-up efforts, with authorities reminding the community to protect themselves against potentially deadly diseases following recent wet weather.

Four cases of melioidosis, a potentially fatal bacterial disease found in ground water and soil, have been confirmed in the region this week, including one in Bowen, one in Seaforth and two at Armstrong Beach south of Sarina.

The four patients, three males and one female, who range in age from 67 to 89 had been exposed to recent flood waters and mud. They are currently patients at Mackay Base Hospital.

Although these cases were not cause for alarm, Townsville and Mackay Public Health Unit physician Dr Steven Donohue said it served as a timely reminder that the elderly and those who have pre-existing medical conditions were at greater risk during the clean up after Cyclone Koji.

“Melioidosis is just one of many serious infectious diseases which are caused by contact with flood waters and soil,” he said.

“Bacteria can enter the body through any skin break in contact with contaminated water, or by breathing in muddy droplets, causing pneumonia,” he said.

“People at most risk of contracting melioidosis are already unwell, elderly, have existing chronic conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease, or are heavy alcohol users.

“Symptoms of melioidosis include fever, cough, chest pain, weight loss, muscle pain and headaches.”

Melioidosis was treated with intravenous antibiotics, and infections were more likely during the wet season when there was a higher chance of coming into contact with mud and flood water, he said.

Dr Donohue urged people to take simple precautions including avoiding contact with muddy water where possible, wearing protective clothing when working outdoors and covering cuts or sores with waterproof dressings when in contact with mud or floodwater.

“If you have come into contact with muddy water or soil and you feel unwell, then seek out medical help as quickly as possible,” he said.

“Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics can be life-saving.”

Symptoms of melioidosis can vary but often include fever, cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing, disorientation, headache, seizures, abdominal discomfort, skin abscesses or ulcerations, joint pain and swelling. The effects can be severe and often require hospitalisation.

To reduce your risk of melioidosis infection:

• wear a mask if you’re using a hose or high-pressure cleaner around soil. This is to prevent breathing in bacteria that causes the disease.
• Wear protective footwear and gloves and wash your skin thoroughly after exposure.
• Avoid contact with soil and floodwaters, particularly after heavy rain.
• Cover open wounds and broken skin with waterproof dressings and wash thoroughly after exposure to soil or muddy water.

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