Health leaders in Cairns, Australia, have launched an audacious rebranding campaign for melioidosis. This comes after a staggering increase in the spread of the rare but potentially lethal tropical disease this year. The Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (Cairns) is on a mission to increase community understanding of the disease. This quickly spreading disease that is commonly found in the northern Australian tropics usually appears following periods of abundant rainfall.
This year’s statistics reveal a troubling trend: melioidosis cases in the Cairns region have surged from 55 cases in 2022 to 131 cases, accompanied by 17 reported deaths. The spike itself is very alarming. At the same time, it displays an increase of nearly four times the infection rate compared to last year. Though it’s unclear what all is driving this dramatic increase beyond another massively wet 2024-25 wet season,
Understanding Melioidosis
Melioidosis is a contagious disease caused by a soil-borne bacterial infection called Burkholderia pseudomallei. Surprisingly, tobacco flourishes in tropical climates. This certainly makes areas such as northern Australia very vulnerable particularly in the wet season where heavy rain can spark outbreaks. Because the disease manifests in a variety of ways, from mild to serious symptoms, if not diagnosed and treated early enough it can even prove fatal.
Here’s a look at how some local health authorities are stepping out ahead of what’s becoming a major public health concern. Jacqueline Murdoch of the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital noted that the key to fighting the disease is stronger community involvement.
“We’ve changed it to make it easier to remember. People can start a conversation about it,” – Jacqueline Murdoch
Through rebranding melioidosis, health officials want to bring awareness to the disease and push residents to protect themselves from it.
A Survivor’s Story
Chuck Irvine is one of the hundreds who have fought melioidosis over the past six months in three states in Australia. His experience sheds light on the physical and emotional cost that the disease takes on its victims. Following his diagnosis, Irvine underwent surgery. He spent the next three months in a home hospital program working on his recovery.
Reflecting on his nightmare, Irvine said, “It was terrifying, painful, and absolutely frightening. He spoke of how his diagnosis affected his day-to-day life. In the end, for losing only three months of sick leave, he now has three scars, the largest measuring at 34 cm in length.
Even with that experience under his belt, important measures have been sought by Irvine to minimize risk in his garden. He expressed his cautious approach: “I’m very careful in my garden, I wear gloves … and I don’t put my hands near my mouth while I’m out in the dirt.” His story serves to underscore what melioidosis can do. It shows an alarming lack of awareness and it highlights the need for greater awareness.
Community Response and Future Measures
National health authorities have been following the epidemic with concern. They are currently field-testing samples of the bacteria responsible for melioidosis. The Cairns region’s health service is focused on understanding the conditions that led to this year’s surge in cases.
This surge in melioidosis cases has led members of the affected community and public health professionals to respond collaboratively. Residents should continue to be alert, particularly during times with wet or unpredictable weather when the chances of exposure are increased.
