Tropical Disease Crisis: 31 Die in Australia Outbreak
(MENAFN) A tropical disease outbreak in northern Australia has led to at least 31 deaths so far this year, with health authorities linking the surge in cases to intense rainfall and severe flooding.
Recent figures from Queensland's health department indicate four additional cases were recorded over the past week—one in Townsville and three in Cairns—bringing the total number of infections in the state this year to 221, according to a report released on Wednesday.
Queensland also reported another death in the past week caused by melioidosis, a rare illness originating from bacteria present in soil and groundwater in parts of northern Australia and Southeast Asia. The bacteria can become airborne during periods of heavy rain.
Townsville, Cairns, and nearby regions experienced record-setting rainfall and major flooding in February.
Dr. Steven Donohue, Townsville’s public health director, noted that new infections have declined sharply with the return of dry conditions.
"So far as we can see, the outbreak that we've had this year is probably over," he stated.
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