Three children in Hainan died from melioidosis complications

A family in Hainan Island, China, experienced three fatal cases of melioidosis combined with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei, often found in tropical regions and can be contracted by touching contaminated soil or water. The first case involved a 4-year-old boy who was admitted to the hospital with fever and low blood pressure. Despite receiving antibiotics and emergency treatments, he passed away on the first day of admission. Blood tests confirmed he had melioidosis. The second case was a 12-year-old girl who developed fever and cough. A chest X-ray showed severe lung issues. She was diagnosed with septic melioidosis complicated by HLH after blood cultures also tested positive for the bacteria. Unfortunately, she died two days later, primarily due to respiratory failure. The third child, a 6-year-old boy, also showed symptoms of fever and lung issues. Hospital tests confirmed he had melioidosis and HLH. Despite undergoing aggressive treatment, he died after one day in the hospital. HLH is a serious condition that can be triggered by infections and is characterized by an overactive immune response. All three children showed signs of severe immune response, including elevated cytokine levels, which indicated a critical condition. Unfortunately, aggressive treatments were not enough to save them. This report highlights the need for awareness and early detection of melioidosis and HLH, especially in tropical regions. Educating healthcare providers on recognizing symptoms is vital for improving patient outcomes.