Queensland in Australia is facing a life-threatening epidemic of Melioidosis, a drug-resistant and rare bacterial infection that has already claimed the lives of 14 individuals. The epidemic follows record rain and flooding in the area that has given the bacteria that inhabit the soil ideal conditions for contamination.
Queensland’s Tropical Public Health Services director, Dr. Jacqueline Murdoch, termed 2025 a “record-breaking year” for Melioidosis. “Definitely, we have not seen anything like this,” she said to national broadcaster ABC.
What Is Melioidosis?
Melioidosis is a bacterial infection that targets both humans and animals. The disease is spread through direct contact with infected soil, air, or water, especially following heavy rains or flooding.
University of Tasmania food microbiologist John Bowman cautioned that the infection has as high as a 50% fatality rate because it’s highly aggressive and antibiotic-resistant.
Symptoms of Melioidosis
Symptoms of Melioidosis may occur within one to four weeks of initial exposure, but in some cases, they will take months or even years to arise. The infection might be localized to a single organ or generalized throughout the body, so diagnosis becomes problematic.
Typical symptoms include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Chest or abdominal pain
- Muscle pain
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
- Seizures
In some cases, the infection is localized in the form of ulcers or sores and, therefore, goes undiagnosed. Those with compromised immune systems are at the greatest risk of developing serious Melioidosis.
How Is It Treated?
Treatment with intravenous antibiotics plus oral medication is the recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Early treatment and medical intervention are essential in raising survival rates.
Flooding and Emerging Health Issues
Queensland witnessed record flooding earlier this year when more than 1.5 meters (59 inches) of rain inundated houses, roads, and businesses. Health officials caution that more cases are likely to emerge as contaminated water and land continue to pose a risk.
Residents are advised by authorities to exercise care, such as avoiding handling floodwaters directly and wearing protective devices when working with water or soil in the affected zones. People showing symptoms are also advised to seek emergency medical treatment.