KEY POINTS:
DARWIN - Two people have died in the past seven days from a killer tropical disease, prompting Northern Territory health authorities to issue an urgent warning to tourists and locals.
Fourteen people have been diagnosed with Melioidosis this wet season, five of whom presented with symptoms of the disease last week.
Symptoms include fever, shortness of breath, boils and abdominal pain.
The NT Department of Health and Community Services (DHCS) today issued an urgent statement, warning people in the Top End to take extra care following the deaths of two of the people who presented with the disease.
"People most at risk are those with conditions such as diabetes, heavy alcohol consumption, kidney disease, lung disease, cancer and those on steroid therapy," said DHCS Centre for Disease Control director Vicki Krause.
"Healthy people can get the disease if they are working in muddy soil without good hand and foot protection."
Melioidosis is caused by bacteria found in surface water and mud after heavy rain. The bacteria usually enters the body through small cuts in the skin.
Dr Krause said last week's Top End flooding, related to Cyclone George, had created the perfect conditions for the disease to flourish.
"Residents, visitors and people from outlying flooded areas need to be aware of the increased risk after the recent flooding," she said.
Some people become extremely ill within a few days of becoming infected, with fevers, headache, confusion or breathing difficulties.
Other people may present some time after exposure with weight loss, fevers, skin ulcers, boils or chest and abdominal pain, Dr Krause said.
As well as contracting the disease through cuts, infections can occur through the inhalation of dust or droplets, or swallowing contaminated water.
"Reduction of exposure is important for preventing melioidosis, so wear waterproof shoes or boots when in wet and muddy areas and avoid wading through flood waters," Dr Krause said.
"Gloves should also be worn when working in muddy soil or handling soil or mud-soaked items."
She said people with risk factors were encouraged to stay indoors during periods of heavy wind and rain.
- AAP
