FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – The death toll from a melioidosis outbreak in northeast Queensland has risen to 26, according to the state’s Department of Health.
Ten new cases, including one fatality, have been reported in the past week amid the crisis linked to heavy rainfall and flooding earlier this year.
Melioidosis, a rare disease caused by soil-borne bacteria, becomes airborne after significant rainfall.
The outbreak follows historic flooding in January and February that devastated the tropical northeast coast.
Townsville, the hardest-hit city, recorded 2,419.8 millimeters of rainfall as of April 5, surpassing its previous annual record set in 2000.
Queensland Health has advised residents in affected areas to avoid contact with soil or muddy water.
Protective measures, such as wearing gloves and masks during outdoor activities, have been recommended to reduce exposure to the bacteria. Efforts to manage the outbreak remain ongoing.