One dead, nine hospitalised as deadly bacteria threatens Townsville flood victims

Townsville residents are facing a new threat following weeks of torrential rain and flooding with the dangerous soil-borne disease melioidosis spreading throughout the city.

One person has died and nine others remain in intensive care after contracting the disease from contaminated soil and water while attempting to clean up their destroyed homes Queensland’s north.

Townsville Public Health Unit Acting Director Dr Julie Mudd on Tuesday confirmed the devastating news, sending an urgent warning to residents to exert extreme caution following the catastrophic flood that caused extensive damage to the city.

“We’ve now got 10 confirmed melioidosis cases in Townsville,” she said. “We have had one fatality.”

The death-toll from Townsville's flooding crisis has risen to three, after a resident died from a waterborne disease. Health authorities have issued an urgent warning to the public, to seek immediate medical attention if they have a fever or break out in sores. @Ben_Downie #7News pic.twitter.com/7UrPqVwNC3

— 7NEWS Townsville (@7NewsTownsville) February 12, 2019

Meliodosis, also referred to as Whitmore’s Disease is caused by bacteria found in contaminated water. It can easily be spread to both humans and animals through direct contact.

It is generally uncommon for fit and healthy people to contract the disease, with the elderly and those already facing chronic conditions most at risk.

“It can cause wound infections and abysses, but it can also cause septicaemia or blood poisoning,” Mudd added.

The main symptoms to look out for are headaches, fever, chest pains and appetite loss, along with breathing difficulties, joint pain, disorientation, abscesses and skin infection.

Residents have been advised to wear protective equipment during the cleanup, making sure to cover any wounds and protect their airways.

Sadly, that isn’t the only problem that has arisen following the shocking flooding in Far North Queensland with thousands of dead cattle now creating a bio-security hazard.

Farmers who had been praying for rain for months to end the drought were met with an even worse disaster as their cattle perished in the flood waters and cold weather.

***WARNING: DISTRESSING IMAGES*** Graziers in North West Queensland say the Government and banks need to step up, to stop the cattle industry and communities collapsing. Thousands of dead cattle are now rotting in the sun, causing a bio-security hazard. @AmeliaAdam1 #7News pic.twitter.com/JYDXfwdC1t

— 7NEWS Townsville (@7NewsTownsville) February 12, 2019

Paddocks that were dry only weeks ago now resemble lakes with thousands of cattle lying dead amongst the mud.

With no way to move them out, the cattle have begun to decompose, leading to a further potential spread of disease.

The latest news comes only days after a distressed farmer took to Facebook to highlight the devastating effects of the floods with a heartbreaking photos of dead and dying cattle swept away in rising floodwaters.

Rae Stretton, from Mount Isa in Queensland’s northwest, wrote on the post: “This is the cold hard truth of what my family at Eddington Station — 20km West of Julia Creek, Qld — and a heap of other families in North West Queensland are dealing with right now.

“From drought to floods to losing stock on a massive scale… the stock that haven’t died from flood water and cold weather have had to be humanely put down.”

Read more: Heartbreaking photos of dead cattle illuminates flood agony

She added: “Where is the help from the Government now. Hurry Government and give the Defence Force the go ahead to help these people out – they’re the best in the world for these scenarios.”

Have you or someone you know been affected by the Townsville floods?