Public health urges residents to take precautions as wet takes hold
Published: 10 January 2026
The Townsville Public Health Unit has urged residents to take precautions as the region braces for significant rainfall, confirming a case of melioidosis in the Townsville Hospital and Health Service in the past 48 hours.
Townsville Public Health Unit director Dr Steven Donohue said while the infection was most likely contracted in the past week, he urged people to heed the public health warnings.
“People were at a greater risk of infection, including melioidosis, during wet weather events.
“Melioidosis is a very serious infectious disease which is caused by soil bacteria in northern Australia,” Dr Donohue said.
“It can enter the body through any skin break in contact with contaminated water, or by breathing in muddy droplets, causing pneumonia.
“People at most risk of contracting melioidosis are already unwell, elderly, have existing chronic conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease, and heavy alcohol users.
“Symptoms of melioidosis include fever, cough, chest pain, weight loss, muscle pain and headaches.
“Melioidosis can be treated with antibiotics.”
Dr Donohue said melioidosis was just one many types of infection risks posed by cleaning up without adequate precautions.
“Infections are more likely during the wet season when there’s a higher chance of coming into contact with mud and flood water,” he said.
“There’s an even higher chance of infection for those people who have diabetes, chronic kidney, liver, or lung disease, cancer, people with a weakened immune system, older people, and people who drink a lot of alcohol,” he said.
“Vulnerable people should stay indoors during heavy rain or flooding, and under no circumstances should they enter flooded or muddy waters.
“Some simple precautions include avoiding contact with muddy water where possible, wearing protective clothing such as waterproof boots and gloves when working outdoors, covering cuts or sores with waterproof dressings, and washing skin thoroughly with soap after contact with mud or floodwater.
“If you have come into contact with muddy water or soil and you feel unwell, then seek out medical help as quickly as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics can be life-saving.”
Melioidosis is a notifiable disease.
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The Townsville Hospital and Health Service acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which our health facilities have been built and on which we meet today.
We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging; and we value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and knowledge.