30 December 2010
With the Wet Season now in full force, Top End residents and visitors are once again being reminded to protect themselves from the potentially life-threatening, soil-borne disease, melioidosis.Melioidosis is an illness seen most frequently after heavy rain, which is why is it particularly important to follow relevant health warnings at this time of year, the Director of the Centre for Disease Control, Dr Vicki Krause, said today.
"Usually the Northern Territory has 25 to 30 cases of melioidosis reported in an entire year," Dr Krause said.
"In the 12 months following October 1, 2009, a record number of 91 cases was seen and this increase looks to be continuing into this Wet season. Already, 25 melioidosis cases have been reported since 1 October 2010, including four cases in the past week.
"This is a much higher number than typically reported by this time of year.
"Since 1 October 2010, we have also seen three deaths due to melioidosis, but it is important to note that people who die from the disease almost always have one or more risk factors."
Dr Krause said melioidosis was 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 and after heavy rain are found in surface water and mud and may even become airborne," she said.
"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 is also possible.
"The symptoms of melioidosis can vary. Some people become extremely ill within a few days of becoming exposed and 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, chest and abdominal pain or sores that so not heal. Pneumonia however, which presents as cough, fever and shortness of breath, is the most common presentation."
Melioidosis can cause severe disease, particularly in people with underlying conditions that impair the immune system, Dr Krause said.
People most at risk are those with health concerns such as diabetes, hazardous alcohol intake, kidney disease, lung disease and cancer, as well as those on steroid therapy. 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.
Walking in muddy water and handling water or mud-soaked items puts people at risk of exposure to the bacteria. Cleaning up after flooding can also lead to more people being exposed.
To avoid contracting melioidosis, DHF recommends wearing waterproof footwear in muddy and pooled water areas and wearing gloves when handling soil or mud-soaked items. It is important to protect your skin from cuts and abrasions, but if in contact with soil or muddy water, wash skin thoroughly straight away.
"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 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 on melioidosis is available at:
Media Contact:Dale Webster, 8999 2818 or 0401 116 203
