Health authorities are currently addressing an emerging infectious disease that has shown a concerning increase in prevalence.
This particular illness, while perhaps unfamiliar to many Australians, is prompting significant attention from medical experts due to the severity of recent cases observed in certain regions.
Understanding the nature of this condition and the measures being taken to manage its spread is of growing importance.
A deadly disease is on the rise in Queensland, and most Australians have never even heard of it. Here’s what you need to know, why experts are calling this outbreak ‘unprecedented’, and what’s being done to protect our communities, especially those most at risk.
What is melioidosis—and why should you care?
While many of us are familiar with the usual suspects when it comes to infectious diseases—think the flu, COVID-19, or even Ross River fever—there’s another, far less known threat lurking in the soils and waters of northern Australia: melioidosis.
Melioidosis is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, a microscopic organism that thrives in tropical climates. It’s not just a scientific curiosity; it’s a killer.
In the latest outbreak, nearly one in five people infected in Cairns and Townsville have died—a sobering statistic that has Queensland scientists and health authorities on high alert.
Why is this outbreak different?
According to Associate Professor Jeff Warner, a leading microbiologist at James Cook University, the current outbreak is unlike anything seen before.
‘You can toy with the words all you want, but the cases up here, this wet season, are unprecedented,’ he says.
What’s changed? For starters, the number of cases has spiked, and the disease is appearing in new locations.
Traditionally, melioidosis cases clustered around certain areas, like Castle Hill in Townsville. Now, new clusters are popping up further afield, and scientists are racing to understand why.
How do people catch melioidosis?
The bacterium lives in soil and muddy water, especially after heavy rains and flooding.
It can enter the body through cuts and scratches, be inhaled in dust or water droplets, or even ingested.
Once inside, it can cause a range of symptoms, from chronic skin ulcers to severe pneumonia and sepsis. If not treated quickly, it can be fatal.
Older Australians, people with diabetes, kidney disease, or weakened immune systems, are especially vulnerable. For those living in or visiting northern Australia during the wet season, the risk is real.
The role of climate change and urban expansion
One of the most worrying aspects of this outbreak is the possibility that climate change and human activity are helping the bacterium spread.
As Australia’s climate warms and urban areas expand, scientists fear that melioidosis could move further south, putting more communities at risk.
Professor Warner and his team are investigating whether the bacterium is adapting to new environments, much like how the flu virus changes from year to year.
There’s also a theory that major construction projects, like upgrades to the Bruce Highway, may disturb the soil and release the bacteria into new areas.
Tracking the invisible enemy
With the help of a $1.5 million federal grant, Professor Warner is leading a five-year project to map the spread of Burkholderia pseudomallei across northern Australia.
This massive effort involves collecting thousands of soil and water samples, analysing genetic data, and working with scientists from Darwin, Cairns, and Townsville.
The goal? To move beyond generic warnings and develop targeted public health messages that can help people understand their personal risk and how to protect themselves.
Why funding and collaboration matter
Despite the seriousness of the outbreak, Queensland Health has not allocated extra funding for melioidosis research.
Professor Warner points out that this disease highlights the gap between urban and rural health priorities.
While rare in capital cities, melioidosis is a leading cause of fatal bacterial pneumonia and blood poisoning in regional northern Australia, particularly among older and vulnerable populations.
Experts like Dr Simon Smith, an infectious diseases specialist in Cairns, call for better information-sharing and collaboration between health services in different regions.
‘If the rates stay as high as what they have been this year, or indeed, they increase, then we’re just going to see a lot of people with the disease, and even with the best access to care, we still see people dying,’ he warns.
What can you do to stay safe?
If you live in or travel to northern Australia, especially during the wet season, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Wear protective footwear and gloves when gardening or working in muddy areas.
- Clean and cover any cuts or abrasions promptly.
- Avoid contact with muddy water if you have open wounds.
- Be extra cautious if you have underlying health conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or a weakened immune system.
- Seek medical attention quickly if you develop symptoms like fever, cough, skin ulcers, or confusion, especially if you’ve been exposed to soil or water.
The bigger picture: looking after regional Australia
Melioidosis is a stark reminder that health challenges can look very different outside our major cities. As Professor Warner says, ‘If we’re fair dinkum about Australians looking after the underprivileged, there are lots of things we can do better for regional communities, and that includes our leaders investing more.’
Have you heard of melioidosis before?
We want to hear from you! Have you or someone you know been affected by melioidosis? Do you have questions or concerns about environmental health risks in your area? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below—your story could help others stay informed and safe.
Also read: Public on alert as infectious cases visit several locations—are YOU at risk?
