16 dead in Queensland melioidosis outbreak after storms

A severe outbreak of melioidosis has resulted in at least 16 deaths and 125 confirmed cases in northern Queensland, Australia. The outbreak follows heavy rainfall and flooding in the region last month, which created conditions favorable for the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei to spread. Melioidosis is a water and soil-borne disease that can infect humans through contact with contaminated water or soil. Symptoms can include severe fevers and abscesses in vital organs. Infection rates typically rise after storms and floods, according to health experts. Debbie-Joy Manttan, a resident of Cairns who suffered from melioidosis, shared her painful experience. She believes she contracted the disease after inhaling the bacteria during heavy rain. Manttan described her condition as “cruel” and required extensive hospital treatment. The disease is especially dangerous for those in areas with limited healthcare access, where the death rate can exceed 50%. Globally, melioidosis affects approximately 165,000 people each year, leading to around 90,000 fatalities, though these numbers are likely underreported. Scientists have warned that melioidosis cases are increasing not only in Australia but globally, partly due to climate change and increased severe weather events. There is growing concern that the bacteria is spreading beyond its traditional areas, and health experts are calling for more research and public health strategies. Despite the rising cases and deaths, the response from both state and federal governments has been criticized as complacent. Queensland Premier David Cristafulli attributed the outbreak to people not following safety precautions. Current public health efforts do not include significant measures to improve safety or prevent future outbreaks. Amid a housing crisis in Queensland, many residents lack safe living conditions, which exacerbates the risk of melioidosis infection. Research indicates that socio-economic factors greatly affect melioidosis outcomes, with a significant portion of infections occurring in economically disadvantaged populations. Without more resources and infrastructure focused on health and safety, experts fear that melioidosis rates will continue to climb in the face of worsening climate conditions.