Deadly Soil Bacteria Kills 14 In Australia After Heavy Flooding In Queensland – Here’s All About Melioidosis Outbreak

Australia’s Queensland is facing a deadly outbreak caused by a rare, antibiotic-resistant bacteria found in soil and mud. So far, fourteen people have lost their lives to melioidosis, a disease that thrives in regions affected by heavy rainfall and flooding.

Health officials are deeply concerned about the rising number of cases. Queensland’s Tropical Public Health Services director, Jacqueline Murdoch, has called 2025 a record-breaking year for melioidosis cases in the state. "Certainly, we have not seen anything like this," she said in a media interaction. The outbreak comes due to extreme weather in northeastern Australia. The region experienced heavy storms that resulted in more than one and a half meters, or fifty-nine inches, of rainfall. The flooding submerged homes, roads, and businesses, creating ideal conditions for the spread of the bacteria.

What is Melioidosis?

Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, which is commonly found in soil and water in tropical regions. The infection spreads when a person comes into direct contact with contaminated soil, water, or dust, particularly after extreme weather events such as flooding.

According to a study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, melioidosis is considered an emerging infectious disease in several tropical and subtropical regions, including northern Australia and Southeast Asia. The research shows that the bacterium can survive in harsh environmental conditions for prolonged periods, making outbreaks more likely following extreme weather events.

University of Tasmania food microbiologist John Bowman has noted that melioidosis is particularly concerning due to its antibiotic resistance. He explained that the bacterium is highly aggressive, and if left untreated, the disease can have a fatality rate of up to 50 per cent.

What Are the Symptoms of Melioidosis?Melioidosis presents with a wide range of symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose. The infection typically develops within one to four weeks of exposure, although some cases have been reported where symptoms appeared months or even years later. The disease can be localized to a single organ or spread throughout the body.

According to a report in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology, melioidosis often mimics other bacterial infections, which can lead to misdiagnosis and delays in treatment. Common symptoms include fever, headache, difficulty breathing, chest or stomach pain, muscle pain, confusion, and seizures. In some cases, the disease may cause localized skin sores or ulcers, which can be mistaken for minor infections.

People with weakened immune systems, including those with diabetes, kidney disease, or chronic lung conditions, are at a significantly higher risk of developing severe forms of melioidosis.

How is Melioidosis Treated?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, melioidosis is treated with a combination of intravenous and oral antibiotics. The first phase of treatment typically involves intravenous antibiotics such as ceftazidime or meropenem, which are administered for at least two weeks. This is followed by a longer course of oral antibiotics, such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, for an additional three to six months.

A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases has emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and prolonged antibiotic therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence and complications. The study also noted that treatment can be challenging due to the bacterium’s ability to resist many commonly used antibiotics.

How to Reduce the Risk of Infection?

People living in flood-affected areas should take precautions to avoid exposure to Burkholderia pseudomallei. Here are some essential steps to reduce the risk of infection:

As Queensland battles this outbreak, health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. Residents in affected areas are urged to remain cautious and follow safety guidelines to reduce the risk of infection.

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