Since January 2025, a melioidosis outbreak in north Queensland has led to 221 cases and 31 deaths, marking a significant rise in infections compared to previous years.

Cairns has reported a staggering 400% increase in cases, while Townsville has seen a 600% rise, although recent trends indicate a decline in new infections.

While vulnerable populations typically include older individuals with pre-existing health conditions, this outbreak has also affected younger, healthy individuals, particularly those working in construction.

Experts suggest that construction activities, such as the ongoing Bruce Highway upgrade, may be disturbing soil and contributing to the airborne spread of the bacteria.

Possible exposure routes to the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei include ingestion of bore water, cuts or abrasions, and aerosolization during extreme weather events.

Melioidosis, endemic in tropical regions, is caused by bacteria found in soil and water, with outbreaks often following heavy rainfall and flooding.

The current outbreak has been linked to high rainfall and flooding, which facilitate the spread of the bacterium, although some cases in Cairns remain unexplained by these factors.

Professor Jeffrey Warner notes that the habitat of the organism is expanding, likely due to climate and environmental changes, which may increase the risk of future outbreaks.

The surge in melioidosis cases has placed additional strain on local hospitals, resulting in increased intensive care admissions for severe illness.

Current treatment for melioidosis involves intravenous antibiotics followed by an extended course of oral antibiotics, but there are calls for more research into effective vaccines.

A promising vaccine developed at the University of California is showing success in animal trials and may lead to human trials in the future.

Authorities are evaluating whether this outbreak is an isolated incident or indicative of future trends, particularly in relation to climate change and its impact on disease transmission.