Overview

• A Townsville resident's death marks the 31st fatality from melioidosis in Queensland this year, with four new cases reported in the past week.
• The outbreak, linked to record flooding earlier this year, has seen 221 confirmed cases, but weekly new infections are now decreasing.
• Melioidosis, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei bacteria, primarily affects older adults, heavy drinkers, and those with chronic health conditions.
• Symptoms range from fever and coughing to severe complications like sepsis, often requiring months of intravenous antibiotic treatment.
• Health authorities continue to emphasize protective measures, such as covering wounds and avoiding direct contact with soil and floodwaters, as vaccine research progresses.