26th person dies from soil-borne disease in Queensland this year

ABC NEWS (Australia)

The Queensland melioidosis death toll has climbed to 26 after another person died from the soil-borne bacteria. Queensland's Health Department says 10 new cases have been recorded in the last seven days.

Transcript

00:01The Townsville Hospital and Health Service patient is the 26th person to die with melioidosis in Queensland this year.

00:12The tropical disease is caused by a bacteria found in water or soil.

00:17Cases often surge during the wet season after heavy rain or flooding.

00:23Queensland recorded 10 new cases in the last 7 days.

00:28The fatality in Townsville was one of four new local cases.

00:33In the Cairns Health Service region, four cases were also recorded.

00:37One case was detected in the Mackay Health Service area and another in Queensland's northwest.

00:44Townsville recorded its wettest year on record on Saturday,

00:49with more than 2,419 millimetres falling on the city already this year.

00:56With that much rain, experts say more cases are likely and can persist for weeks after the heavy rain has surpassed.

01:05The bacteria can enter the body through skin cuts and sores as well as inhalation or by drinking contaminated water.

01:13There is no vaccine to prevent melioidosis, but avoiding contact with soil and muddy water is encouraged.

01:22There are no •

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