Top End residents and visitors are once again being reminded to protect themselves against the potentially life-threatening, soil-borne disease melioidosis, an illness that presents most commonly after heavy rain.
"Melioidosis is an environmental bacterium and a common cause of serious pneumonia and blood poisoning in the Top End," said DHF Centre for Disease Control Director, Dr Vicki Krause.
"The bacteria live below the soil's surface during the dry season and after heavy rain are found in surface water and mud and may even become airborne.
"An increase in cases has been seen in past years following cyclones, heavy rains and floods. We have had 13 cases so far this Wet season, with nine cases in the past four weeks.
"The bacteria causing melioidosis usually enter the body through cuts and sores in the skin, but acquiring the bacteria via inhalation of dust or droplets-or ingestion of contaminated water-is also possible," Dr Krause added.
People most at risk are those with health concerns such as diabetes, kidney disease, lung disease and cancer, as well as those on steroid therapy or who consume excess alcohol. Healthy people can get the disease if they are working in muddy soil without good hand and foot protection.
The incubation period for acute disease can range from one to 21 days.
Cleaning up after flooding can lead to people being exposed to the bacteria by walking in muddy water and handling water or mud-soaked items. Using high-pressure hoses can cause the bacteria to become airborne.
"Melioidosis can be prevented by wearing waterproof shoes or boots when cleaning up in the case of flood waters and also by wearing gloves when handling soil or mud-soaked items. A mask or covering over the nose and mouth may offer some protection when using high-pressure hoses," said Dr Krause.
"Some people become extremely ill within a few days of becoming infected, with fevers, headache, confusion, or breathing difficulties. In some cases the onset is slower, with weight loss, intermittent fevers, skin ulcers, boils, or chest and abdominal pain," Dr Krause added.
If you are concerned about melioidosis, contact your GP or hospital.
Further information on melioidosis can be obtained online:
www.health.nt.gov.au/Centre_for_Disease_Control/Publications/CDC_Factsheets
Release date: 12 January 2010
