Nineteen cases of locally acquired melioidosis were reported last week, bringing the total this year to 37, with 30 of these cases having been reported after Typhoon Gaemi swept over Taiwan last month, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said yesterday.
Patients ranged in age from 20 to 90 years old. A total of five deaths have been reported this year, three of which were reported last week. All three casualties had underlying health conditions.
Melioidosis is caused by bacteria called Burkholderia pseudomallei, or B. pseudomallei. It’s spread to people and animals through direct contact with soil, air, or water contaminated by the bacteria. Cases may increase after hurricanes, heavy rain, and other severe weather events because the bacteria rise to the surface of the soil.
Taiwan CDC Deputy Director-General Lo Yi-chun noted that the peak period for cases of melioidosis usually occurs two to four weeks after a typhoon.
The Taiwan CDC advises residents dealing with post-storm cleaning to protect hands and feet by putting on protective gear such as waterproof boots and gloves to avoid contracting leptospirosis, melioidosis, and tetanus.
Read more: Taipei Times, The Overseas Community Affairs Council, U.S. Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention