A recent melioidosis epidemic has been identified in Northern Queensland, Australia, with a total of seven fatalities and at least 28 cases confirmed since October 2024. The state has recently experienced a surge in cases, with Townsville and Cairns being the primary affected areas. According to local media reports, Cairns health facilities have recorded at least 41 cases since the beginning of 2025, while Townsville reported more than 20 cases in February alone. Experts attribute the unprecedented incidence of infection to increased rainfall and flooding in these areas and adjacent territories. The disease is considered endemic in northern Australia, with an annual rate of approximately 0.6 cases per 100,000 people. Globally, melioidosis is responsible for an estimated 165,000 cases and 89,000 fatalities each year. Most of these cases are observed in Southeast Asia, with a notable concentration in Thailand.
Melioidosis is a disease caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, which colonizes soil and freshwater. The bacterium is typically harmless; however, it can be hazardous when it infects humans. Humans can become infected through various means, including the entry of the bacterium through minor skin lesions, the inhalation of water droplets in the air, or the consumption of contaminated water. The symptoms of infection include fever, headache, respiratory problems, chest pain, and muscle pain. In rare cases, the bacterium can enter the bloodstream and cause sepsis.
