Be aware of melioidosis risk in flooded rural areas

Recent monsoonal weather in Queensland has increased the risk of melioidosis, a serious tropical disease caused by bacteria found in wet soil, mud, and surface water.

After heavy rain and flooding, the bacteria that cause melioidosis can spread more easily. This means people working in wet or flood‑affected areas need to take extra care.

Workers at higher risk include:

• farmers, graziers and livestock producers
• farm workers and station hands
• anyone helping to dispose of animals lost in floods
• agricultural and horticultural workers
• irrigation, drainage and water management workers
• fencing, earthmoving and property maintenance crews
• farm clean‑up and flood recovery workers
• emergency services supporting rural communities.

Most healthy adults don’t usually get sick from melioidosis. However, people with certain health issues — like diabetes, lung or kidney disease, cancer, older age, heavy alcohol use, or conditions or treatments that weaken the immune system — have a higher chance of infection. Workers with these health risks should talk with their manager and a health professional about extra precautions.

Anyone who feels unwell after working in floodwater, wet soil, muddy yards, or while handling dead livestock should tell their doctor about the type of farm or livestock work they’ve been doing.

Here’s what you can to protect workers and yourself:

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating, drinking or smoking.
• Use hand sanitiser (at least 60% alcohol) when soap and water are not immediately available.
• Check your skin before starting work and cover all cuts, scratches and broken skin with a clean, dry dressing.
• If you sustain a wound during flood clean-up, clean and cover it immediately.
• If muddy water or contaminated material splashes onto your skin or into your eyes, nose or mouth, wash the area thoroughly.
• Shower and change into clean clothes after finishing work.

If you operate a business, you should:

• Ensure workers have access to adequate handwashing facilities, including clean running water, soap and paper towels or an air dryer.
• Provide portable handwashing facilities for paddock, yard and flood recovery work, with clear handwashing signage.
• Ensure first aid facilities, clean eating areas and safe drinking water are available for all workers, including contractors and volunteers assisting with livestock disposal.
• Include melioidosis awareness in post-flood safety briefings, toolbox talks and livestock disposal planning.

More information

Read more on Melioidosis here or visit the Queensland Health website.