Health alert for Melioidosis
Metro South Health wishes to advise primary healthcare providers to be alert after a diagnosed case of melioidosis in the southern Logan-Beaudesert area.
- Melioidosis should be considered with suggestive presentations, particularly in the context of heavy rains and exposure to mud or unreticulated water.
- Melioidosis testing needs to be specifically requested in pathology referrals if suspected.
- Melioidosis treatment requires specialist advice from Infectious Disease Physicians.
What is meliodosis?
Melioidosis is caused by the bacteria burkholderia pseudomallei that lives in the soil. After rains or flooding, the bacteria can come to the surface and be found in mud or water on the ground. Infections occur when the bacteria enter the body through breaks in the skin, by inhalation of dust or water droplets containing the bacteria, or occasionally by drinking contaminated water.
People most at risk of becoming sick are adults with underlying conditions that lower their immunity such as diabetes, chronic lung or renal diseases, high alcohol consumption, some cancers, and those on immunosuppressive therapy. Melioidosis is less commonly seen in healthy adults and children.
How does melioidosis present?
Patient presentations may include:
- pneumonia with or without sepsis
- skin infections including abscesses and non-healing ulcers
- abscesses in internal organs such as the liver or spleen
- fulminant septicaemia with multi-organ abscesses
- neurological illnesses such as brainstem encephalitis.
Preventive advice to reduce risk of melioidosis
- Wear protective footwear when outside. This footwear should be waterproof if it is wet or muddy.
- Completely cover any skin wounds with waterproof dressings.
- Wear gloves when working with soil, such as when gardening or working on a farm.
- Wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose if using a high-pressure hose around soil.
- Wash thoroughly after exposure to dirt, muddy water, or working outdoors.
- Avoid being outdoors in heavy rain or wind.
- Avoid drinking groundwater.
Further information
- Melioidosis — Queensland Health: www.health.qld.gov.au/cdcg/index/melioidosis
- RACGP — Melioidosis: www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2019/may/melioidosis-an-updated-review