Thursday 20 May 2010
Continued rain in the Top End means the risk of the potentially-fatal disease melioidosis is still present.
Dr Vicki Krause, Director of the Centre for Disease Control, says unseasonal weather has meant hospitalisations have continued and it is vital for Territorians to maintain their vigilance against the disease and take appropriate precautions.
"There have been 77 confirmed cases of melioidosis in the Northern Territory since October," Dr Krause said today.
"This is already above the average number of cases for the year but while the rains persist we expect to continue to see cases of melioidosis.
"The majority of cases have occurred in the Top End, mainly in the greater Darwin region, but there have also been several cases in the Katherine and East Arnhem regions. One case has occurred as far south as Tennant Creek. The majority of people affected are older adults."
Dr Krause said melioidosis was a serious disease with a mortality rate of 15-30 per cent, meaning every year there were deaths from this disease in the Northern Territory.
"It is particularly important that at-risk groups be aware of melioidosis but it is important for all Territorians to take precautions," she said.
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.
The time to onset of illness after exposure to the melioidosis organism, which occurs during the periods of heavy rain, is usually from 1 to 21 days.
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 for cancer and on 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.
The most common presentation of the illness is with the symptoms of pneumonia, that is cough shortness of breath and fever Dr Krause said.
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.
Media contact: Dale Webster 0401 116 203
