In North Queensland there is an outbreak of melioidosis. Here’s what you should know about this deadly “membrane”

Seven people Now they died from melioidosis in a devastated flood in North Queensland this year.

Dozens of cases have been reported in recent weeks, which experts described as unprecedented.

So what is melioidosis and why do we now see a jump in cases?

How are people infected?

Melioidosis is caused by bacteria Burkholderia pseudomalleiA worm, which usually lives harmlessly in soil and fresh water. But it can be threatening when he infects People or animals.

B. pseudomallei – sometimes called “mud” – enters the body by cutting or scratching. It can be inhaled and enter the lungs through miniature drops of water in the air or by Drinking with water.

Symptoms usually develop within one to four weeks After infection of the person. The disease can cause local infections such as chronic skin ulcers, or, more often, lung infection that can lead to pneumonia.

Symptoms of infection include fever, headache, breathing problems, chest and muscle pain, confusion and assaults. In sporadic cases, the disease can enter the bloodstream and cause sepsis.

Treatment includes the receipt of intravenous antibiotics in the hospital for several weeks, and then Six months of oral antibiotics.

How is this common?

The diagnosis is usually carried out using specialized bacterial breeding. At this point, the sample isolated from the patient is grown in a Petri dish to identify bacteria, which may take several days.

About 165,000 cases of melioidosis are reported globally 89,000 deaths. Most cases occur in Southeast Asia, especially in Thailand.

Since similar symptoms can be caused by so many other diseases, melioidosis is widely mistakenly identified, which means that the number of cases is probably much lower than the actual number of infections.

In addition, cases often occur in distant communities and conditions penniless in resources, which may mean that they are less likely to be diagnosed.

It is believed that the disease is endemic to northern Australia. Usually infects 0.6 per 100,000 people a year At Queensland, which would be equivalent to about 30 people.

In northern territory, around 17 people per 100,000 They are infected annually, which would be equivalent to about 42 cases. However, these data are several years ancient.

In Australia, melioidosis is often treated before the occurrence of fatalities. The mortality rate has been estimated at Less than 10%.

More people die because of illness in countries with a lower range with worse diagnostic abilities and hospital facilities. In Thailand, it is estimated that the mortality rate is About 40%.

Who is threatened?

Everyone can receive melioidosis, but some people are at a higher risk. This includes people with diabetes, liver and kidney disease, cancer or other diseases that can threaten the patient’s immune system.

In Australia, the disease is also significantly more common In the first nations, people than among Australians who are not indigenous.

After infection, People who are nativesolder or have chronic health conditions at a higher risk poorer results.

In the current explosion in Queensland at least three victims so far They were older.

What causes the current explosion?

Recent cases in North Queensland have been identified mainly in the area Townsville AND Cairns.

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service have at least recorded 41 cases From January 1, while Over 20 cases They were reported in Townsville in February.

It is most likely related Increased rainfall and floods in these areas and around it.

B. pseudomallei He lives in soil and mud and goes to the surface during periods of high rainfall. So recent bulky rain and floods in North Queensland probably increased the risk of melioidosis.

IN Northern territory28 cases were reported from the beginning of the rainy season in October last year. However, this is lower than the last seasons.

How can you protect yourself?

If you are in the affected region, you can protect yourself by limiting the exposure to mud and water and using appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and shoes, if you spend time in a muddy part. Cover any open wounds and wear a respirator if you work closely with water.

Monitor the symptoms and see your doctor if you feel bad.

Several Vaccines are in development to melioidosis, and experts recently called her to be diagnosed as neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organization.

Especially since the growing extreme weather events caused by climate change can augment universal melioidosis, let’s hope that in the coming years, research increases and awareness of this disease.