8 November 2011
Top Enders are being warned about the potentially deadly risk of walking barefoot, as the advancing Wet Season carries an increased risk of the deadly soil-borne disease melioidosis.
The Centre for Disease Control is warning that contact with mud, ground water and aerosolised soil during the Wet Season increases the likelihood of exposure to the melioidosis bacteria.
"The melioidosis bacteria live deep in the soil during the Dry Season, but heavy rains result in larger amounts of the bacteria at surface level," Centre for Disease Control Director, Dr Vicki Krause said.
"The bacteria can enter the body via cuts and sores and can also be inhaled if it's picked up by the wind during a storm."
According to Dr Krause, melioidosis can cause severe pneumonia and blood poisoning and has a mortality rate of 10-15 per cent, even with best practice medical care.
"Symptoms of melioidosis can vary greatly but most commonly we see indications of pneumonia such as fever, cough and breathing difficulties," she said.
"The incubation period from time of infection to acute disease can range from 1 to 21 days. In some cases the onset of symptoms are slower and will include features like weight loss or sores that do not heal.
"People most at risk of developing melioidosis are those with health concerns which impair the immune system, such as diabetes, hazardous alcohol intake, kidney disease, lung disease, cancer and treatment for cancer and those on steroid therapy.
"We advise these people to stay indoors during heavy wind and rain."
To avoid contracting melioidosis the Department of Health recommends wearing waterproof footwear around mud, soil and areas of pooled water and to wear gloves when handling soil or mud soaked items.
"People who work with soil such as gardeners and building tradespeople should always wear protective clothing, as healthy people can get the diseases if they work in or are exposed to mud, pooled water or aerosolised soil," Dr Krause said.
"People using high pressure hoses around soil should cover their mouths and noses as the bacteria can also enter the body via inhalation."
Anyone concerned about melioidosis should contact their local GP or hospital.
A fact sheet with more information on melioidosis is available at:
Media Contact: Bridget Wild 89 992 818 or 0401 116 203
