United States: A Category 2 Hurricane, named Hurricane Francine, had made landfall in the south of the US. Along with the possible destruction to infrastructure and the economy, it might increase the risk linked to contraction to a bacterial infection, Melioidosis.
The Center for Disease Control, which could be abbreviated CDC, has outlined that the communities of the US that will be affected by Hurricane Francine could also catch Meliodosis, which is caused by bacteria named Burkholderia pseudomallei, aka B pseudomallei, according to the reports by NY Post.
According to the experts, the most common way to contract the bacteria is by making contact with contaminated soil, air, or water. CDC outlined that the risk of such infections increases after hurricanes, heavy rain, and other severe weather events.
Reportedly, the most at-risk communities are those who are living on the Gulf Coast, as they have been experiencing flooding as well as heavy rain due to Hurricane Francine.
Symptoms of Melioidosis
Melioidosis, a disease notorious for its variable symptomatology, often emerges 1-4 weeks post-exposure to the underlying bacteria, presenting in diverse clinical forms, as per the New York Post.
The symptoms of this illness are multifaceted.
Occasionally, it surfaces as a dermal ulceration or sore but may also invade the pulmonary system, inducing lung infections.
Symptoms reported by the CDC encompass fever, myalgia, localized edema, cough, thoracic discomfort, cephalgia, and anorexia. These symptoms are often precursors to a more widespread systemic infection.
When the infection becomes disseminated, the CDC outlined symptoms that may include fever, intense headaches, respiratory problems, chest pain, and chest discomfort, according to the New York Post.
What Could be the Vulnerability Factors?
While anyone can contract the disease, inter-human transmission remains an anomaly, according to the CDC.
Several animal species, including canines, felines, ovines, caprines, bovines, equines, swine, and wild boar, are susceptible to Melioidosis.
Strategies to Decrease the Risk of Melioidosis
The CDC underscores several precautionary measures to diminish the likelihood of contracting the disease:
– Individuals with open wounds or underlying chronic illnesses such as diabetes or renal dysfunction should minimize contact with soil or stagnant water.
– For those engaged in agricultural activities or other high-exposure occupations, wearing protective footwear, particularly boots, can serve as a barrier against infection via the lower extremities.
– Healthcare professionals are advised to employ standard safety protocols when attending to Melioidosis patients and to label samples appropriately to safeguard laboratory staff.
– Lab personnel must adhere to strict laboratory protocols, incorporating the use of appropriate PPE and respiratory defenses.
Possible Treatment
The CDC confirms that Melioidosis is treatable with antibiotics. The duration and intensity of treatment hinge on the severity of the infection and its systemic impact.