10 December 2010
An early start to the Wet Season has prompted the Department of Health and Families (DHF) to warn Top End residents and visitors to protect themselves from the potentially life-threatening disease melioidosis.Melioidosis is caused by bacteria that live deep in the soil of the Top End during the dry season, but are found in surface water and mud after heavy rainfall, according to DHF Centre for Disease Control Director Dr Vicki Krause.
"Melioidosis can cause severe pneumonia and blood poisoning, particularly in people with underlying conditions that impair the immune system," Dr Krause said.
"Cleaning up after flooding can lead to more people being exposed to the bacteria through walking in muddy water and handling water or mud-soaked items. The bacteria may also become airborne through the use of high-pressure hoses."
To avoid contracting melioidosis DHF recommends wearing waterproof footwear when cleaning up after floods, and wearing gloves when handling soil or mud-soaked items. Masks or covering over the nose and mouth when using high-pressure hoses may offer some protection.
"It is particularly important that at-risk groups be aware of melioidosis but it is important for all Territorians to take precautions," Dr Krause said.
"People most at risk of developing melioidosis are those with underlying conditions such as diabetes, heavy alcohol intake, cancer, advanced age, kidney or lung disease and those being treated for cancer and on long term steroid therapy medicines.
"The symptoms of melioidosis can vary. Some people become extremely ill within a few days of becoming infected. Fever, headaches, confusion and breathing difficulties are all common symptoms. In some cases the onset of symptoms is slower with weight loss, intermittent fevers, skin ulcers, boils or chest and abdominal pain.
"The incubation period for acute disease can range from 1 to 21 days, meaning symptoms may appear relatively soon after infection but can take weeks before they appear."
The period of 1October 2009 to 30 September 2010 saw the worst year for melioidosis cases, with 91 recorded. There were 11 melioidosis-related deaths during that period.
People with risk factors are advised to stay indoors during periods of heavy wind and rain. People who work with soil such as gardeners and building tradespeople should always wear protective clothing, as healthy people can get the disease if they work in or are exposed to muddy soil or water in pooled muddy areas.
If concerned about melioidosis please contact your local GP or Hospital.
A fact sheet with more information of melioidosis is available at:
Media Contact: Bridget Wild 89 992 751 or 0401 116 144
