department of
health and community services

media release

MELIOIDOSIS Season - Information for Top End Residents & Visitors

Tuesday, 22 January 2008

The Department of Health and Community Services is renewing its warning to Top End residents and visitors to protect themselves from the potentially life-threatening disease melioidosis.

DHCS Centre for Disease Control Director, Dr Vicki Krause, said melioidosis is an environmental bacterium and a common cause of serious pneumonia and blood poisoning in the Top End.

“Cases tend to follow the rains and an increase in cases has been seen in past years following cyclones and floods.” Dr Krause said.

There have been 10 cases already this wet season and one death. There has also been a case in a visitor who returned south and developed the disease. Currently 3 patients are in ICU at Royal Darwin Hospital with melioidosis.

Melioidosis is a disease caused by bacteria known as Burkholderia pseudomallei. The bacteria live below the soil’s surface during the dry season but after heavy rainfall can be found in surface water and mud and may become airborne.

“The bacteria that causes melioidosis usually enters the body through cuts and sores in the skin but acquiring the bacteria via inhalation of dust or droplets or ingestion of contaminated water is also possible,” Dr Krause said. “The incubation period for acute disease can range from 1 to 21 days”.

“Cleaning up after flooding can lead to more people being exposed to the bacteria with people walking in muddy water and handling water or mud-soaked items. Cleaning activities such as using high-pressure hoses can create aerosol spread.

“People most at risk are those with conditions such as diabetes, heavy alcohol consumption kidney disease, lung disease, cancer and those on steroid therapy. Healthy people can get the disease if they are working in muddy soil without good hand and foot protection.

“Melioidosis can be prevented by wearing waterproof shoes or boots when cleaning up after the flood and also by wearing gloves when handling soil or mud-soaked items. Masks or a covering over the nose and mouth when using high-pressure hoses may offer some protection.

“The symptoms of melioidosis can vary. Some people become extremely ill within a few days of becoming infected, with fevers headache, confusion or breathing difficulties. In some cases the onset is slower with weight loss, intermittent fevers, skin ulcers, boils or chest and abdominal pain.

“If concerned about melioidosis please contact you local GP, Hospital or, for more information, the nearest Centre for Disease Control.” Dr Krause said.

Contact –Dr Vicki Krause 89228510