Tag

Melioidosis

All articles tagged with #melioidosis

Fish Tank Cleaning Leads to Unexpected Hospital Visit
health1 year ago

Fish Tank Cleaning Leads to Unexpected Hospital Visit

A 56-year-old woman in Maryland contracted melioidosis, a bacterial infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, after cleaning her fish tank. This case is notable as the woman had not traveled outside the U.S., suggesting the bacteria was present in her aquarium, likely from imported supplies or fish. She required extensive antibiotic treatment to recover. This incident highlights the potential for local cases of melioidosis in the U.S., particularly in regions like the Gulf Coast, where the bacteria has been found in soil and water.

Invasive Bacteria Threatens Southern Gulf States: CDC Warning.
health2 years ago

Invasive Bacteria Threatens Southern Gulf States: CDC Warning.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned about the potentially deadly invasive bacteria, Burkholderia pseudomallei, found in fresh water and soil in states along the Gulf of Mexico. The bacteria can be deadly to immunocompromised people, but most healthy individuals who get it shake it off without missing a beat. The bacteria is not prevalent in the environment yet, but it is always concerning when a new organism that should be in another part of the world is found in yours. Generally healthy people don't have to worry, but underlying conditions increase the risk.

Invasive Bacteria Threatens Southern Gulf States: CDC Warning.
health2 years ago

Invasive Bacteria Threatens Southern Gulf States: CDC Warning.

The CDC has warned about the potentially deadly bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei, which causes the illness melioidosis in humans, being found in soil and fresh water in states along the Gulf of Mexico. While it can be deadly, it primarily affects immunocompromised people and is not prevalent in the environment. The disease it causes, melioidosis, shares symptoms with other diseases and can stay dormant for years. Generally healthy people don't have to worry, but those with underlying medical issues should be vigilant and mention their travel history to clinicians.

Rare, deadly bacteria discovered on U.S. Gulf Coast, warns CDC.
health2 years ago

Rare, deadly bacteria discovered on U.S. Gulf Coast, warns CDC.

The CDC has confirmed three cases of infection from the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei, which can cause potentially lethal melioidosis if not treated, along the U.S. Gulf Coast. The bacterium is endemic to the region and is typically found in subtropical and tropical climates. The most common ways the bacterium infects people is through open wounds or by being inhaled during a severe storm with high winds. People with underlying conditions such as kidney disease or diabetes are most at risk from the bacterium.

CDC warns of deadly melioidosis bacteria on Gulf Coast.
health2 years ago

CDC warns of deadly melioidosis bacteria on Gulf Coast.

The bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei, which causes potentially fatal melioidosis, has been found to be endemic to the Gulf Coast, with infections possible from Texas to Florida. The discovery was made after three cases were reported on the Mississippi coast, with soil and water samples testing positive for the bacteria. The disease attacks various organs and can be fatal if left untreated, particularly for at-risk patients. Health officials recommend precautions for people living along the Gulf Coast, including avoiding contact with soil or muddy water, using waterproof coverings on open wounds, and wearing gloves when working directly with soil.

Deadly Bacteria Endemic to US Gulf Coast with 50% Fatality Rate, Warns CDC
health2 years ago

Deadly Bacteria Endemic to US Gulf Coast with 50% Fatality Rate, Warns CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has declared the deadly bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei endemic to the US Gulf Coast, where three cases of infection have been confirmed. The bacteria can cause potentially lethal melioidosis if not treated and has a roughly 50% fatality rate worldwide. The bacteria is typically found in subtropical and tropical climates and is contracted through open wounds or inhaling germs during a strong storm. Antibiotics can be effective if the disease is diagnosed early. Climate change is believed to be a factor in the bacteria's appearance on the Gulf Coast.

Deadly Bacteria Endemic to US Gulf Coast
health2 years ago

Deadly Bacteria Endemic to US Gulf Coast

A deadly bacteria called Burkholderia pseudomallei, which can cause melioidosis and is fatal in 10 to 50 percent of cases, has been listed as endemic along the US Gulf Coast, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The bacteria is likely lurking in soil and stagnant water across the 1,600 miles from Texas to Florida. Doctors are now on alert for the disease, which can initially be misdiagnosed as another infection. Individuals who live along the Gulf Coast and have conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease and chronic lung disease are particularly at risk.