The Centers for Disease Control has warned people affected by this disease. Hurricane Francine The risk of melioidosis infection increases after the storm has passed.
The CDC states that melioidosis is a bacterial infection caused by bacteria called Burkholderia pseudomallei, or B. pseudomallei.
The disease develops when people or animals come into contact with contaminated soil, air, or water.
According to the CDC, the risk of infection increases after hurricanes, heavy rainfall and other severe weather events.
People living in Gulf Coast areas that experienced flooding and heavy rain due to Hurricane Francine are at higher risk of infection.
Symptoms of melioidosis
Melioidosis has a wide range of symptoms, which usually develop within 1–4 weeks of exposure to the bacteria.
This disease can manifest in several different ways.
This sometimes manifests as ulcers or sores on the skin or infections in the lungs.
Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, localized swelling, cough, chest pain, headache and loss of appetite, the CDC said.
The infection can affect different systems of the body and spread the infection.
The CDC said symptoms of a melioidosis infection include: fever, headache, difficulty breathing, muscle aches, confusion, seizures and abdominal or chest pain.
Certain medical conditions increase the risk of developing this disease.
Who might be affected?
Anyone can get the infection, and transmitting it from another person is extremely rare, the CDC reports.
Many animals can get melioidosis, including: dogs, cats, sheep, goats, cows, horses, pigs, swine and pigs.
Reducing the risk of melioidosis infection
To reduce the risk of infection, the CDC recommends the following:
- Avoid contact with soil and standing water if you have open wounds on your skin, or if you have long-term illnesses such as diabetes or kidney disease.
- If you do agricultural work or have hobbies or jobs that increase your risk of getting infected, wear shoes, which can prevent infection in your feet and lower legs.
- Healthcare workers can use it standard precautions To help prevent infection when treating patients with melioidosis. If they suspect melioidosis they should properly label samples to protect laboratory personnel.
- Laboratory personnel should follow good laboratory practices, including using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and respiratory protection.
Treatment of the disease
The CDC states that melioidosis can be treated with antibiotics.
The duration of treatment depends on how severe the infection is.
