Health experts have warned of a spike in the number of melioidosis cases in the Top End this Wet season, advising residents and visitors to take extra precautions.

So far this year, 48 cases have already been recorded, up from the average of 32 cases of melioidosis reported in the NT each wet season, causing health authorities to remind people to stay vigilant.

“People are more likely to come in contact with the bacteria during the wet season when they can be found in soil surface layers and muddy surface waters,” Dr. Vicki Krause, Director of the Northern Territory (NT) Centre for Disease Control said.

Dr. Krause pointed out that the high rainfall this wet season resulted in a 50 percent rise in the number of melioidosis cases than anticipated.

“Melioidosis most often causes infection of the lungs, ranging from mild bronchitis to severe pneumonia. In severe cases, it can lead to blood poisoning, with around 10 per cent of infections causing death,” Dr. Krause said.

Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, a bacterium found in tropical soil and water, that can infect humans and animals.

Individuals with compromised immune systems and health factors including diabetes, high liquor consumption, old age, and kidney, and lung infections, as well as individuals taking immune suppression therapy medications, are more likely to contract melioidosis.

While there is no vaccine to prevent melioidosis, antibiotics are used to treat the illness which has varying recovery times.

The symptoms of melioidosis include:

• Fever, cough, and breathing difficulties
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Urinary symptoms
• Non-healing wounds and sores
• Headaches
• Fits
• Confusion

In some, effects can be very severe and almost always result in hospitalization. Melioidosis can have a delayed onset and relapses are possible.

Melioidosis does not normally spread from person to person or from animals to people.

How to avoid contracting melioidosis:

• Wear waterproof footwear and gloves when outside
• Cover wounds with waterproof bandages
• Protect your face when using high-pressure hoses around soil
• Seek immediate medical care if symptoms occur