08 Aug 2024 | 09:35 AM UTC
Taiwan: Elevated melioidosis activity reported in multiple areas, especially Kaohsiung City, in early August
Elevated melioidosis activity in multiple areas in Taiwan, especially Kaohsiung City, in early August. Avoid contaminated soil and water.
Health authorities have reported elevated melioidosis activity in multiple areas in Taiwan, with 25 cases reported from Jan. 1-Aug. 10. This is compared to the 13 cases reported over a similar period in 2023. Of the total case count, 15 cases were reported July 29-Aug. 4. Kaohsiung City (16 cases) is the most affected, followed by Tainan City (3 cases). Areas reporting only one case include Changhua County, Chiayi County, Hualien County, Keelung City, Taoyuan City, and Taichung City. Health officials urge individuals to seek medical treatment as soon as possible if experiencing any disease symptoms. This represents the most complete information available as of Aug. 8.
Avoid contact with contaminated soil and water. Practice basic health precautions. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop within three weeks of being in affected areas. Treatment starts with antimicrobial therapy for at least two weeks (up to eight weeks, depending on the extent of infection) intravenously (within a vein), followed by 3–6 months of oral antimicrobial therapy.
Melioidosis is endemic in Taiwan, with the first melioidosis case, an imported case from the Philippines, reported in 1985. Officials have attributed the recent rise in melioidosis cases reported in southern Taiwan to Typhoon Gaemi, which hit the country in late July. Post-typhoon outbreaks often occur due to the bacteria that causes melioidosis being flushed out of the soil or dispersed in the air by strong winds. The peak period of diagnosis for the infectious disease often occurs two to four weeks after a typhoon passes. Health officials reported 25 melioidosis cases in Taiwan in 2023, 25 in 2022, 21 in 2021, and 20 in 2020.
Melioidosis, or Whitmore's disease, is caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, or B. pseudomallei, found in contaminated soil and water. Transmission to people and animals occurs through direct contact with soil, air, or water contaminated by the bacteria. Cases may increase after hurricanes, heavy rain, and other severe weather events that cause the bacteria to rise to the soil's surface. Symptoms typically appear 1-21 days following exposure. Some cases have developed symptoms months or years after exposure. The most common symptoms of melioidosis are breathing difficulties, stomach or chest pain, fever, headache, muscle pain, swelling, and confusion. Sometimes, the illness is just in one area (localized), and it may look like an ulcer or skin sore.
