Cairns, Australia – Health authorities in Far North Queensland have rebranded the potentially fatal tropical disease melioidosis as “melio” in a concerted effort to enhance public awareness and safety. This strategic move follows an alarming nearly fourfold surge in cases within the Cairns region this year, where the soil-borne bacterial infection has led to 131 reported cases and 17 deaths. The Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service initiated the change to simplify communication about the disease, which is typically triggered by heavy rainfall.

The significant increase marks a substantial departure from previous years, with the region’s highest prior annual count standing at 55 cases in 2022. Across Queensland, 248 melioidosis cases have been recorded this year, alongside 65 in the Northern Territory since October 1, 2024, including seven already in the current wet season, and four in Western Australia. Public health officials believe the simplified name, “melio,” will make the disease more memorable and encourage crucial conversations among residents about prevention and early detection.

Among those who have endured the severe infection is 52-year-old Cairns plumbing business manager Chuck Irvine, whose harrowing experience began with flu-like symptoms. Despite his active lifestyle and not fitting typical risk profiles, Mr. Irvine developed fevers reaching 41 degrees Celsius over three weeks. His initial self-diagnosis proved incorrect, leading to further medical consultation as his condition deteriorated, marked by intense sweats and shivers.

Subsequent tests in July confirmed a widespread bacterial infection, with melioidosis detected in Mr. Irvine’s lungs, hip bone, arteries, stomach, and right leg. The rapid progression necessitated urgent surgical intervention, with an artificial artery installed in his leg just twelve hours after diagnosis. Puzzlingly, Mr. Irvine contracted the disease during winter, the dry season in the tropics, leading him and his doctor to speculate on potential transmission routes, including scratches from his dog.

Dr. Jacqueline Murdoch, director of the Cairns Public Health Unit, stressed that heavy rainfall can make the melioidosis bacteria airborne, increasing the risk of infection. She strongly advises individuals with pre-existing health conditions, such as cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, or chronic lung issues, to remain indoors during periods of significant downpour. This preventative measure is crucial for reducing exposure to the soil-borne pathogen, which poses a greater threat to vulnerable populations.

The precise reasons behind the dramatic increase in melioidosis cases this year remain unclear, despite a particularly significant 2024-25 wet season. Health authorities are actively investigating this surge, employing genomic sequencing of the bacteria and extensive environmental sampling to understand its prevalence and transmission patterns. Researchers acknowledge that the bacteria does not inhabit all soil or clay types, and they are continuing to monitor whether the current high incidence will recur in future seasons.

Nearly six months after his life-threatening ordeal, Chuck Irvine has recovered to approximately 95 per cent of his former health, though the illness cost him three months of sick leave. Having resided in Cairns since 1991, he was aware of melioidosis but never anticipated contracting it, particularly given his limited direct exposure to soil. Mr. Irvine now exercises extreme caution, wearing gloves while gardening and meticulously avoiding hand-to-mouth contact when working outdoors, underscoring the importance of personal vigilance.

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Keywords: melioidosis, melio, Cairns tropical disease, soil-borne bacteria, Far North Queensland health, melioidosis cases increase, tropical infection prevention, heavy rain health risk