Melioidosis
Health alert
Status: Active
Last updated: January 2024
Issued by: Chief Health Officer
Issued to: Health professionals
Melioidosis is a serious disease caused by bacteria that live in tropical soils and water. Heavy rainfall brings them up into surface water and soil, where they can be picked up by the wind and spread in the air.
The bacteria can enter the body through inhalation or skin cuts and wounds.
In the Northern Territory, there is a higher chance of getting sick with melioidosis during the wet season from October to April.
Melioidosis requires urgent medical attention as it can be fatal if not treated with the right antibiotics.
Notifiable disease
Melioidosis is a notifiable disease.
Information for health professionals
| Type | Resource | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Document | Melioidosis fact sheet PDF (199.5 KB) | NT Health |
| Poster | Don't get melioidosis poster PDF (1.0 MB) | NT Health |
| Document | Non-healing ulcers fact sheet PDF (164.5 KB) | NT Health |
| Link | Melioidosis NT Health Guideline | NT Health |
| Tropical Health Orientation Manual for health practitioners in Northern Australia | Melioidosis | Centre for Remote Health |
Information for the public
| Type | Resource | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Webpage | Melioidosis | NT Government |
Contact
Contact the Public Health Unit’s Centre for Disease Control.
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