Wednesday 24 March 2010
The continued heavy rains in the NT mean that the risk of the potentially fatal disease melioidosis is still present.
Dr Vicki Krause, Director of the Centre for Disease Control, said it was vital for Territorians to maintain their vigilance against the disease and take appropriate precautions.
"There have been 43 confirmed cases of melioidosis in the Northern Territory since October," Dr Krause said today.
"This is above the average number of cases but consistent with the recent monsoonal rainfall.
"While the majority of cases have occurred in the Top End, mainly in the greater Darwin region, there have been several cases in the Katherine and East Arnhem regions and one case has occurred as far south as Tennant Creek. The majority of people affected are older adults".
Dr Krause said the southern extent of this year's rains meant that melioidosis cases in these southern regions are possible.
"Melioidosis is a serious disease with a mortality rate of 15-30 per cent, meaning every year there are deaths from this disease in the Northern Territory. It is important that at-risk groups and healthy Territorians take all necessary precautions."
Melioidosis is caused by bacteria found in the soil of the Top End and other tropical regions of the world. The bacteria usually live deep in the soil during the dry season but are found in surface water and mud after heavy rainfall.
People most at risk of developing melioidosis are those with underlying conditions that impair the immune system. These include diabetes, heavy alcohol intake, cancer, advanced age, kidney or lung disease and those being treated with cancer and long term steroid therapy medicines.
Bacteria enter the body directly through small cuts and sores on the hands and feet or by inhalation. This can cause a variety of symptoms such as skin ulcers or sores that fail to heal, abscesses, unexplained fevers, weight loss, fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, urinary symptoms and occasionally neurological problems such as headache and confusion.
People are advised to wear protective clothing such as waterproof gloves and shoes or boots if working with soil.
People with risk factors are advised to stay indoors during periods of heavy wind and rain. People who work with the soil such as gardeners and people in the building trade 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.
Further information on melioidosis can be obtained from the Centre for Disease Control on 8922 8044, local doctors and community care/health care centres or online at:
Media contact: 0401 116 203.
