The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has declared that a deadly bacterium, Burkholderia pseudomallei, which causes melioidosis, is now endemic along the Gulf Coast. The bacteria, which kills approximately half of those infected, has been found in soil and stagnant water across 1,600 miles from Texas to Florida.
Three human cases have been reported, including one in Mississippi in January 2023 and two others since 2020 in the same area. However, the true number of infections may be higher, as many people exposed to the bacteria show no symptoms and develop antibodies. All three patients were successfully treated with antibiotics.
Dr Julia Petras, an epidemic intelligence service officer at the CDC, stated that the bacteria naturally lives in soil and freshwater in subtropical and tropical climates. Infection occurs through open wounds or contaminated drinking water. Those with pre-existing conditions like diabetes, chronic liver or kidney disease, autoimmune diseases, or excessive alcohol use are most vulnerable.
Melioidosis can attack organs and lead to pneumonia and sepsis if untreated. Treatment involves at least two weeks of intravenous antibiotics followed by three to six months of oral antibiotics. Early diagnosis is critical for a good outcome, Dr Petras emphasised, noting that the disease is often under-reported and misdiagnosed.
The bacteria is native to tropical areas in Southeast Asia and northern Australia, but has now established itself in the US Gulf Coast region. The CDC continues to monitor the situation and advise healthcare providers to consider melioidosis in patients with compatible symptoms.
