Be aware of Melioidosis this wet season

As the wet season approaches in Queensland, workers need to remember to take measures to avoid the risk of melioidosis, which can be found in the soil and is a risk after high rainfall.

Melioidosis is a tropical disease caused by bacteria called Burkholderia pseudomallei which live naturally in the soil.

Melioidosis occurs mainly in north Queensland, but can occur in other parts of Queensland, with the bacteria being found in mud and surface water.

It is a risk for workers who have contact with soil and surface water in endemic areas, including

• manual labourers
• construction workers
• gardeners and horticultural workers
• agricultural workers
• flood recovery workers
• emergency services workers.

Most healthy adults do not become ill after exposure. People who have personal risk factors such as diabetes, chronic lung or kidney disease, heavy alcohol use, advanced age, cancer or those experiencing other medical conditions or treatments that lowers immunity are at increased risk of infection.

Workers with personal risk factors should be encouraged to discuss this with their manager and doctor. If a worker becomes sick after contact with wet soil or muddy water, they should tell the doctor about their work.

What should you do to protect yourself?

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating, drinking and smoking and/or vaping, after contact with soil and muddy water and after removing personal protective equipment (PPE).
• If using a waterless hand sanitiser, make sure it contains an alcohol content of at least 60 per cent. Use only on visibly clean hands and wash your hands with soap and water at the first opportunity.
• Check your skin before starting work and cover any cuts and other broken skin with a clean, dry dressing. If you sustain a wound at work, clean and cover it straight away.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke when working with wet soil and muddy water.
• If wet soil or muddy water gets on your skin or in your eyes, nose or mouth, wash the area thoroughly.
• Wash or shower after finishing work.

What do businesses need to do?

• Ensure your workforce have adequate washing facilities (PDF, 0.57 MB). This should include clean running water, soap and paper towel or an air hand dryer.
• Field workers should be provided with portable hand washing facilities. Use handwashing signage to remind workers to wash their hands.
• Workers must also be provided with first aid facilities (PDF, 0.48 MB), clean eating facilities and drinking water.

More information

Read more on Melioidosis and find out about what you should do as a worker or employer.

More information on melioidosis is available at Queensland Health website.