Melioidosis - Medtick
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Melioidosis

What is it?

A rare serious tropical bacterial infection who have contact with soil or surface water and have broken skin, inhale dust and drink contaminated water and can reappear many years later.

  • People who work outdoors with soil and who have a weak immune system are particularly vulnerable.

It occurs mainly in world regions of:

  • Africa
  • Central America
  • India
  • Middle East
  • North Australia
  • South America
  • South pacific
  • Southeast Asia

Countries affected are:

Asia

  • Malaysia (Sarawak, Sabah)

Australasia and Pacific

  • Australia

Cause

  • Bacteria: Burkholderia
  • Broken skin where bacteria can enter
  • Infected Soil
  • Contaminated Surface water
  • Rice paddies

Symptoms

  • New rash that has appeared or existing rash getting worse, Small bump at site of entry which may open up?
  • Widespread blood filled blisters?
  • High temperature greater than 38°C (100°F) or over and/or chills and sweats longer than 72 hours?
  • Headache which is on and off or a constant headache longer than 24 hours?
  • Balance and dizziness problems?
  • Aching, painful muscles, muscle cramps/spasms/stiffness?
  • Dry cough longer than three weeks or breathing difficulties?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Medical Emergency

Do not wait, phone for an ambulance

This condition may show similar symptoms to:

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Melioidosis in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

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