It can cause a deadly infection and it’s uncertain how common it is.
Summer can be a time for great fun and adventure but it can also bring about some rather weird and dangerous encounters. Swimming in warm fresh water can be dangerous to your health as the water can contain a deadly parasite that can kill you if it gets up your nose and infects your brain. And now it seems that contact with a simple soil sample from your backyard could also lead to dire consequences.
Officials in Mississippi are warning that a rare bacteria known as Burkholderia pseudomallei has been found in soil and water samples around the Gulf Coast region in this state. It can cause you to fall sick with something called Melioidosis, which is also known as “Whitmore’s disease”. Here’s some information about this stuff and how to stay safe.
People with underlying issues are most at risk
As with most infections, people who have underlying conditions are most at risk of having this one develop into something serious. People with conditions like diabetes, chronic kidney disease, renal disease, liver disease, thalassemia, cancer, and chronic lung disease are most at-risk. If you’re in these categories and living in the Mississippi Gulf Coast area, it’s likely best to avoid contact with the water and soil outside.
This the same stuff that caused the aromatherapy spray issue
Remember that aromatherapy spray recall in 2021? This bacteria is the same stuff.
In November 2021, Better Homes and Gardens Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones was officially recalled. It had caused infections in people living in Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota, and Texas. Two of those people died from their exposure to the bacteria, including one child.
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The room spray was imported from abroad where it’s thought to have been contaminated someplace along the chain of production. The stuff now detected in Mississippi soil is the same bacteria.
Common Symptoms
People infected with Melioidosis can experience a range of symptoms. These include:
- fever
- joint pain
- headaches
- lung problems
- blood infections
You might also experience localized swelling and pain, abscesses, coughing, abdominal pain, anorexia, and disorientation, among other symptoms. Always seek medical help as soon as possible.
It can be treated with antibiotics
The good news is, if you’re infected with Melioidosis you can be treated and recover if the infection is caught early enough. This treatment consists of intravenous antibiotics and antimicrobial therapy for up to 8 weeks. This is then followed by 3 to 6 months of comprehensive oral antimicrobial therapy, (ie, pills taken multiple times daily). Getting better can take dedication and time but it’s possible.
How to avoid becoming infected
There are some basic precautions you can take to stay away from a melioidosis infection. If you have diabetes or chronic renal disease, as a general rule, you should avoid placing yourself in contact with soil samples and any standing water that can be a breeding ground for pathogens. In addition, if you have an open wound, cover it up and steer clear, especially when outside.
For those working in environments where they come in contact with dirt, make sure you always wear protective boots and gloves, if you can. Always wash your hands before eating.
This bacterium is in other parts of the world, too.
Melioidosis is a form of bacteria you can find all over the world. It isn’t specific to the US. For a full list of countries, check out the CDC’s website and stay safe.
While infections with this bacteria are rare, if you’re not feeling well for any reason, contact your doctor to obtain appropriate medical help. Getting the right treatment is essential to prevent a deadly outcome.
photo credits: Melioidosis/Shutterstock.com
