Since the clean-up began in regions devastated by recent flooding, three people have died from melioidosis, a soil-borne disease linked to the wet conditions. The deaths were reported in Ingham and Townsville, with the disease continuing to spread in the aftermath of record-breaking floods that affected areas from Mackay to Cairns.
Local authorities confirmed that 24 melioidosis cases have been recorded since the floods began, with cases spiking notably in the town of Townsville, where six new cases were reported in January. The disease’s fatality rate is concerning, with a 10% mortality rate, and its symptoms include fever, pneumonia, exhaustion, abdominal pain, and chest pressure.
Townsville Public Health Unit Director Dr. Steven Donohue explained that melioidosis is particularly prevalent in regions affected by heavy rain, as soil bacteria rise to the surface in muddy waters. People may contract the disease by inhaling bacteria or through open cuts and wounds.
“The scale of this outbreak is unprecedented in recent times,” Dr. Donohue said in a statement. “This is bigger than what we’ve seen in the past.”
In addition to the melioidosis deaths, there have been four fatalities reported in Cairns, where 41 cases have been confirmed since January 1. Elderly residents, particularly those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, kidney disease, or lung disease, are most at risk.
As cleanup efforts continue, authorities are urging residents to take precautions, including wearing boots, long-sleeved clothing, gloves, and masks when cleaning flood-damaged properties.
Meanwhile, public health officials are also monitoring other potential outbreaks. Five cases of dengue fever have been reported in Townsville, though the connection between the cases is still under investigation. Dr. Donohue has reassured the public that the risk of widespread dengue transmission remains low.
In addition to the health crisis, North Queensland is bracing for the possibility of another tropical cyclone. A tropical low, located approximately 400 kilometers off the coast of Cairns, is being closely watched by the Bureau of Meteorology. While no immediate threat is posed, there is a 55% chance that the system could develop into a cyclone by Monday. The weather system’s path remains uncertain, with possibilities including a movement toward New Caledonia and Vanuatu or closer to the Queensland coast.
Dr. Donohue expressed concern that more heavy rain could trigger another spike in melioidosis cases, exacerbating the ongoing health challenges. “Heavy rain often leads to an increase in disease cases, particularly when people are exposed during cleanup efforts,” he said.
As North Queensland faces the ongoing challenges of flood recovery, both public health officials and residents remain vigilant in their efforts to mitigate further outbreaks.
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