TROPICAL Public Health Services (Cairns) is warning residents to avoid unnecessary contact with muddy water following a marked increase in the number of Melioidosis cases in the Far North.

Director Dr Richard Gair said 17 cases of the disease had been confirmed so far this year.

“This is a very high number given we usually only see about 10 to 12 cases every year,” he said.

Dr Gair said Melioidosis was caused by a soil-borne germ typically found in muddy surface waters.

“The majority of infections occur when skin abrasions or wounds come into contact with wet soil or water contaminated by the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei,” he said.

“Melioidosis is very uncommon in healthy adults and rarely seen in children however those with certain underlying diseases and conditions like diabetes, chronic lung or kidney disease and cancer are considered highly vulnerable.

“Symptoms of acute Melioidosis include fever, cough and difficulty breathing; the affects can be very severe and almost always result in hospitalisation. Sometimes the disease may present as superficial skin infections or abscesses in various part of the body."

There is no vaccine to prevent Melioidosis. During the wet season adults, particularly anyone in north Queensland with an underlying medical condition should take the following precautions:

• Wear protective footwear when outdoors 
• Wear gloves while working in the garden, on the farm etc. 
• Cover abrasions and sores with waterproof dressings 
• Wash thoroughly (preferably shower) after exposure to soil or muddy water, and after working outdoors 

Diabetics should maintain optimal foot care, with help from a podiatrist if necessary.