Killer disease warning after desert deluge
Pastor Dale Morgan
Killer disease warning after desert deluge*
By Tara Ravens
January 23, 2007 06:38pm
Article from: AAP
HEAVY monsoonal rain in Central Australia has created the perfect
conditions for a killer tropical disease, health experts warn.
While the desert clean-up continues after last week's torrential
downpours, locals and visitors have been warned to take extra care when
coming into contact with muddy soil.
The dirt could contain the potentially life-threatening disease
melioidosis, caused by bacteria found in surface water and mud after
heavy rain.
It can also become airborne during heavy showers.
Symptoms include fever, shortness of breathe, boils and abdominal pain.
“We usually consider melioidosis to be a disease of the Top End and the
tropics, and the risk is low given there have only been 10 cases in 10
years in Central Australia,” said Centre for Disease Control coordinator
Rosalie Schultz.
But recent rain and flooding in Central Australian communities,
including Alice Springs, could lead to cases of the disease if
precautions were not taken.
“Cases have occurred in Central Australia and the disease is serious and
can cause fatalities especially with delay in presentation to healthcare
or diagnosis,” Dr Schultz said.
“Residents, visitors and people from outlying flooded areas need to be
aware of the risks after the recent flooding.”
The Northern Territory Department of Health and Community Services
issued an urgent statement today, warning that the bacteria which cause
melioidosis usually enter the body through small cuts in the skin.
Inhalation of dust or droplets, or swallowing contaminated water can
also lead to infection. It does not usually spread from human to human.
People most at risk to the disease are those with conditions such as
diabetes, heavy alcohol consumption, kidney disease, lung disease,
cancer and those on steroid therapy.
“Healthy people can get the disease if they are working in muddy soil
without good hand and foot protection,” Dr Schultz said.
“Reduction of exposure is important for preventing melioidosis, so wear
waterproof shoes or boots when needing to be in wet and muddy areas and
avoid wading through flood waters.
“Gloves should also be worn when working in muddy soil or handling soil
or mud-soaked items.”
The symptoms of melioidosis can vary.
“Some people become extremely ill within a few days of becoming
infected, with fevers, headache, confusion or breathing difficulties.
“Other people may have may present some time after exposure with weight
loss, fevers, skin ulcers, boils or chest and abdominal pain,” Dr
Schultz said.