A growing threat has emerged in the wake of heavy rains, disrupting the tranquillity of the region and silently affecting lives.

Health authorities are monitoring the situation closely as more cases continue to surface.

With the full extent of its impact still unfolding, concerns are growing over what may come next.

Melioidosis, caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, is a severe infection that can be life-threatening.

It's a disease that thrives in tropical climates such as Far North Queensland and is contracted through direct contact with contaminated soil, air, or water.

'We think it's just because there's a lot of bacteria in the soil in those areas,' Tropical Public Health Services director Jacqui Murdoch noted.

Spike in melioidosis cases, including two fatalities, linked to heavy rains. Credit: Depositphotos

The bacteria can enter the body through cuts and wounds, inhalation, or drinking contaminated water, making it a particularly insidious foe.

The Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service has reported a startling increase in melioidosis cases since November, with 36 individuals affected.

This is a significant jump from the 14 cases recorded during the same period last year, which was already considered a high number.

The recent spike in cases has health authorities on high alert, urging the public to be vigilant and to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms resembling the flu, such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.

​

The elderly and those with compromised immune systems, including individuals with diabetes, cancer, kidney, and lung problems, are at heightened risk.

However, melioidosis does not discriminate and can affect even the young and healthy.

This makes it crucial for everyone in the region to be aware of the risks and to take preventative measures.

Dr Jacqui Murdoch, the director of Tropical Public Health Services, has emphasised the importance of early detection and treatment.

'You might not know [it's melioidosis]. That's why it's really important to go and see a GP or go to the emergency department early if you get a fever, cough or difficulty breathing,' he said.

She notes that most of the recent cases have been contracted through airborne particles, particularly affecting those with pre-existing lung conditions.

The flooding in Townsville has exacerbated the situation, leading to a spike in cases, with 11 reported since the start of the year.

To protect yourself and your loved ones, it's recommended to avoid outdoor work during rainfall, wear protective masks when using high-pressure hoses around mud or soil, and cover any skin abrasions.

Regular check-ups with healthcare providers are also essential, especially for those with underlying health conditions.

The rise in melioidosis cases is a stark reminder of the hidden dangers that can emerge in the wake of extreme weather events.

As our climate changes, we'll likely see more such outbreaks.

It's more important than ever to stay informed about potential environmental health risks and take proactive steps to safeguard our health.

Members of the Seniors Discount Club, particularly those residing in or visiting tropical areas, should be especially cautious during the wet season.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms that could be related to melioidosis, don't hesitate to seek medical attention promptly.

Early intervention can be the key to a successful recovery.

Key Takeaways

• Heavy rains in Far North Queensland have been linked to a spike in cases of the bacterial disease melioidosis, including two fatalities.
• Health authorities are alerting the public to be vigilant and seek medical attention if they exhibit any flu-like symptoms indicative of melioidosis.
• There has been a significant increase in melioidosis cases in the Cairns and Hinterland region compared to the previous year, with most infections occurring in the southern corridor of Cairns.
• Precautions recommended include avoiding outdoor work during rain, wearing masks when using high-pressure hoses around soil, and covering skin abrasions to prevent infection, especially for those with pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes, cancer, and lung issues.

Have you or someone you know been affected by melioidosis or similar environmental health concerns? Share your experiences and tips for staying healthy in the comments below. Your insights could help fellow members stay safe and informed.

 

[Endassey]

This is also called Nightcliff Gardeners' Disease and is prevalent in Darwin, hence the name. I worked for a funeral parlour in the 90's and we buried one or two who sadly died from it. It's insidious.
Apparently it lies dormant, deep in the soil, during the Dry, but rises to the surface as the water table rises during the Wet.

 

[Rodmo]

About 6 years ago I had this disease and it was very painful for my left leg.A scratch on my left lower leg picked up the germ while laying pipe work in a very wet trench.Even with Wellington boots on and socks it managed to infiltrate my system .Approx 1 week later with the stratch infection and not responding to plenty of attention it began to go purple and black .The pain became worse and progressively mostly evenings moved up my body eventually to my brain.Sudden headaches worsened.No sleep and unbearable pain all over my body..Off to the doctor for treatment with high penicillin and painkillers.The doctor said I had probably only 48 more hours to stay alive if not treated.Two repeats later it eased off.Over the next 2 years I had considerable problems with scratches or cuts..Sepsis definitely is fatal if not treated early. I absolutely thought that I was going to die and with so much high intolerable pain I was ready.Hope this helps to explain the dilemma this germ can cause.This germ is super dangerous.

 

[Tata]

You know how many viruses and other pathogens exist! You can't make vaccines for every single one of them! More precise, our bodies wouldn't digest all those harmful ingredients and die.
It's why god gave us our immune system. In other words, vaccination is a dead end. Keep your immune system strong and apply natural methods to get rid of nasties. It's I have been doing for the last 35 years, it's works like a charm.

 

[DLHM]

You know how many viruses and other pathogens exist! You can't make vaccines for every single one of them! More precise, our bodies wouldn't digest all those harmful ingredients and die.
It's why god gave us our immune system. In other words, vaccination is a dead end. Keep your immune system strong and apply natural methods to get rid of nasties. It's I have been doing for the last 35 years, it's works like a charm.

There are those of us who’ve developed autoimmune diseases despite trying to keep our “immune system strong”. It can happen to any of us. There is no proven evidence of what causes autoimmunity.

This is part of what I posted earlier this month:
“After being diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis 30 years ago, I opted to go the holistic route for pain relief. Spent plenty of $$s on appointments, external lotions, internal potions, changes in diet, acupuncture, iridology and many, many other alternative treatments. Nothing helped and after about a year, I was advised to see a rheumatologist.”

To say vaccinations are a dead end, it obviously applies to you, but it’s irresponsible to assume it relates to everyone.

 

[Tata]

There are those of us who’ve developed autoimmune diseases despite trying to keep our “immune system strong”. It can happen to any of us. There is no proven evidence of what causes autoimmunity.

This is part of what I posted earlier this month:
“After being diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis 30 years ago, I opted to go the holistic route for pain relief. Spent plenty of $$s on appointments, external lotions, internal potions, changes in diet, acupuncture, iridology and many, many other alternative treatments. Nothing helped and after about a year, I was advised to see a rheumatologist.”

To say vaccinations are a dead end, it obviously applies to you, but it’s irresponsible to assume it relates to everyone.

 

[Towing]

In some areas in NT with similar climate they have to boil their water for drinking, to rinse their mouth out etc. Also to clean their teeth and dentures

 

[PattiB]

As if people up north don’t have enough to deal with, rain & terrible flooding, now nasties lurking in the soil. Maybe Tasmania’s not so bad, even if it did snow on the mountains yesterday, with more flurries expected today. To all our members who live in NT& Queensland please take care & stay safe.

 

[deni67]

You know how many viruses and other pathogens exist! You can't make vaccines for every single one of them! More precise, our bodies wouldn't digest all those harmful ingredients and die.
It's why god gave us our immune system. In other words, vaccination is a dead end. Keep your immune system strong and apply natural methods to get rid of nasties. It's I have been doing for the last 35 years, it's works like a charm.

That's you, and i'm glad you're ok, but it's not the rest of us!

 

[magpie1]

Thanks SDC and Gian T for this enlightening article about this hideous disease here in our midst in the Cairns region where I happen to call home. It certainly has been a wet start to the year alright and these conditions make it ripe for the spread of Melioidosis. It is something all of us need to be aware of and take appropriate measures to ensure that we don't get it....the risks are far too great to ignore. It is great to hear of these health warnings in the newsletter from time to time....without the few of note who continue to call such warnings as Scaremongering.