Melioidosis

Melioidosis Latest News

Recently, health authorities have confirmed melioidosis in a patient from Turakapalem village in Andhra Pradesh.

About Melioidosis

• It is caused by an infectious disease caused by the environmental Gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. 
• It is seasonal, with 75–85% of cases occurring during the rainy season.
• It has a high case fatality rate (CFR) ranging from 16% to 50% in known endemic regions.
• It is an infectious disease endemic in Southeast Asia, northern Australia, much of the Indian subcontinent, southern China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
• It is common in people living with: Diabetes, Alcohol use disorder, Chronic kidney disease Chronic lung disease (like cystic fibrosis or COPD).
• Symptoms: Fever, headache, trouble breathing and Stomach or chest pain etc.

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Transmission of Melioidosis

• Touching contaminated soil with the hands or feet, especially if there are small cuts in the skin.
• Drinking contaminated water that has not been chlorinated
• Breathing in contaminated dust or water droplets
• Exposure to severe weather events such as tropical monsoon storms, cyclones, hurricanes and typhoons.
• Treatment: At present, there is no vaccine available for melioidosis.

Source: DTE