The Department of Health and Families is renewing its warning to Top End residents and visitors to protect themselves from the potentially life-threatening disease melioidosis.
DHF Centre for Disease Control Director, Dr Vicki Krause, said melioidosis is an environmental bacterium and a common cause of serious pneumonia and blood poisoning in the Top End. The bacteria live below the soil's surface during the dry season but after heavy rainfall can be found in surface water and mud and may become airborne.
"Cases tend to follow the rains and an increase in cases has been seen in past years following cyclones, heavy rains and floods," Dr Krause said.
There have been 10 cases already this wet season, with two deaths.
"The bacteria that causes 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 said.
"The incubation period for acute disease can range from 1 to 21 days.
"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. Cleaning activities such as using high-pressure hoses can cause the bacteria to become airborne.
"People most at risk are those with conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, lung disease and cancer as well as those on steroid therapy or who consume high levels of alcohol. Healthy people can get the disease if they are working in muddy soil without good hand and foot protection.
"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. Masks or a covering over the nose and mouth when using high-pressure hoses may offer some protection.
"The symptoms of melioidosis can vary. 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.
"If concerned about melioidosis please contact you local GP or Hospital and, for more information, the nearest Centre for Disease Control," Dr Krause said.
Further information on melioidosis can be obtained online at�
http://www.health.nt.gov.au/Centre_for_Disease_Control/Publications/CDC_Factsheets/index.aspx
Media Note: Dr Vicki Krause will be available for interview today at 10am. Block 4, Royal Darwin Hospital
Media Contact: Cameron Jackson, DHF Media Liaison Officer 0401 116 144
Release date: 15 January 2009
