Queensland of Australia is facing fatal outbreaks due to a rare, antibiotic-resistant bacteria found in soil and mud. So far, fourteen people have lost their lives for meliidosis, a disease that thrives in areas affected by heavy rains and floods.

Health officials are deeply concerned about the increasing number of matters. Queensland’s tropical public healthcare director, Jacqueline Murdoch has called 2025 a record-breaking year for matters of meliyidosis in the state. “Surely, we have not seen anything like that,” he said in a media conversation. Northeast Australia causes outbreak due to extreme weather. The region experienced heavy storms, resulting in more than one and a half meters or more than twenty -nine inches. The floods submerged houses, roads and businesses, leading to an ideal situation for the spread of bacteria.

What is Meliyidosis?

Meliyidosis is an infectious disease caused by bacterial barkholderia pseudomalli, usually found in soil and water in tropical regions. The infection spreads when a person comes in direct contact with contaminated soil, water or dust, especially after extreme weather events such as floods.

According to a study published in Lancet infectious diseases, meliidosis is considered an emerging infectious disease in many tropical and subtropical regions including Northern Australia and Southeast Asia. Research suggests that bacteria can survive in rigid environmental conditions for a long time, which leads to high outbreaks after extreme weather events.

John Boman, a food microbiologist at the University of Tasmania, has noted that meliidosis is particularly due to its antibiotic resistance. He explained that the bacteria is highly aggressive, and if left untreated, the disease may have a deadly rate of up to 50 percent.

What are the symptoms of melioidosis? Meliidosis presents with a wide range of symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose. The infection usually develops within a risk of one to four weeks, although some cases have been reported where the symptoms appear even after months or years. The disease can be localized for the same organ or spread throughout the body.

According to a report by the Journal of Clinical Microbiology, mailidosis often mimics other bacterial infections, leading to incorrect diagnosis and delay in treatment. Common symptoms include fever, headache, difficulty in breathing, chest or abdominal pain, muscle pain, confusion and seizures. In some cases, the disease may cause localized skin lesions or ulcers, which may be wrong for minor infections.

People with weak immune systems, including diabetes, kidney disease, or chronic lung conditions, are at high risk of developing severe forms of meliidosis.

How to treat meliyidosis?

According to the disease control and prevention centers, meliidosis is treated with a combination of intravenous and oral antibiotics. The first phase of treatment usually consists of intravenous antibiotics such as seftazidime or meropenames, which are administered for at least two weeks. This is followed by a long course of oral antibiotics, such as trimthoprim-sulfamethoxazole, for an additional three to six months.

A study published in clinical infectious diseases has emphasized early diagnosis and prolonged antibiotic therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence and complications. The study also states that treatment can be challenging due to the bacterial ability to oppose many commonly used antibiotics.

How to reduce the risk of infection?

People living in flood affected areas should be cautious to avoid exposure to Berkhelderia Pseudomalel. Here are some necessary steps to reduce the risk of infection:

Avoid direct contact with soil and flood waters: Wear security clothes, such as waterproofing shoes and gloves, when passing through sloppy or flood areas.

Use clean, treated water: Drink and use only properly treated water, as contaminated water sources can disturb the bacteria.

Cover wounds and cuts: If you have open wounds, cover them with waterproof straps to prevent bacteria from entering the body.

Maintain good hygiene: After handling soil or flood water, wash hands thoroughly with soap and clean water.

Focus on medical attention quickly: If you experience fever, respiratory issues, or frequent skin infections after coming in contact with flood water, pay medical attention as soon as possible. Early intervention can significantly improve the results of treatment.

As Queensland fights this outbreak, the Health Authority continues to monitor the situation closely. Residents of affected areas are urged to be cautious and follow safety guidelines to reduce the risk of infection.

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