Tropical disease kills two Australians
Pastor Dale Morgan
*Tropical disease kills two Australians*
By Tara Ravens
March 13, 2007 12:27pm
Article from: AAP
AUSTRALIA - TWO people have died in the past seven days from a tropical
disease, prompting Northern Territory health authorities to issue an
urgent warning to tourists and locals.
A total of 14 people have been diagnosed with melioidosis this wet
season, five in the last week.
Symptoms include fever, shortness of breath, boils and abdominal pain.
The NT Department of Health and Community Services (DHCS) issued an
urgent statement today warning people in the Top End to take extra care
following the deaths of two people with symptoms.
"People most at risk are those with conditions such as diabetes, heavy
alcohol consumption, kidney disease, lung disease, cancer and those on
steroid therapy," said DHCS Centre for Disease Control director Vicki
Krause.
"Healthy people can get the disease if they are working in muddy soil
without good hand and foot protection."
Melioidosis is caused by bacteria found in surface water and mud after
heavy rain. The bacteria usually enters the body through small cuts in
the skin.
Dr Krause said last week's flooding from Cyclone George had created
perfect conditions for the disease to flourish.
"Residents, visitors and people from outlying flooded areas need to be
aware of the increased risk after the recent flooding," she said.
Some people become extremely ill within a few days of becoming infected,
with fevers, headache, confusion or breathing difficulties.
Other people may present some time after exposure with weight loss,
fevers, skin ulcers, boils or chest and abdominal pain, Dr Krause said.
As well as contracting the disease through cuts, infections can occur
through the inhalation of dust or droplets, or swallowing contaminated
water.
"Reduction of exposure is important for preventing melioidosis, so wear
waterproof shoes or boots when in wet and muddy areas and avoid wading
through flood waters," Dr Krause said.
"Gloves should also be worn when working in muddy soil or handling soil
or mud-soaked items."
She said at-risk people should stay indoors during periods of heavy wind
and rain.