Melioidosis

Melioidosis is a disease that is found in the tropical regions of northern Australia and South East Asia. The bacteria (known as Burkholderia pseudomallei) live below the soil's surface during the dry season but after heavy rainfall are found in surface water and mud and may become airborne. The disease usually enters the body through skin abrasions, inhalation or drinking contaminated water. The NT Department of Health and Community Services has more information on this topic.