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A Cairns patient has died from the bacterial disease melioidosis, with health authorities further south warning those cleaning up in the wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily to take precautions against contracting the infection.
Dr Nishila Moodley, of Townsville's public health unit, said bacteria living in soil could become exposed after heavy rain, putting people at risk of developing melioidosis.
Queensland Health this week warned of a spike of nine cases in the Cairns region so far in January, following heavy rain and flooding triggered by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
The ABC has confirmed one melioidosis patient has died.
In 2023, 72 melioidosis cases were recorded in Queensland — 25 of them in and around Cairns, and 26 in Townsville.
Melioidosis causes death in up to 20 per cent of treated cases.
The disease occurs when skin abrasions or wounds come into contact with wet soil or water that has been contaminated by the bacterium, Burkholderia pseudomallei.
Dr Moodley is concerned about the risk to north Queenslanders in the aftermath of ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily.
"The actual bacteria that causes [the disease] live quite deep under the soil," she said.
"When we have heavy rainfalls, like we have had recently, it basically strips the topsoil and it allows those bacteria to come up to the surface.
"If you're involved in the clean-up, or you're doing gardening at this point, those bugs are easier to inhale or to get through cuts."
Tropical Public Health Services Cairns director Richard Gair said melioidosis was uncommon in healthy adults and rarely seen in children, but was more likely to occur in people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, kidney problems, lung issues or anyone on medication that lowers their immune system.
Symptoms of melioidosis may include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
"Sometimes the disease presents as superficial skin infections or abscesses in various parts of the body," Dr Gair said.
He said people with symptoms should see a general practitioner as melioidosis could require prolonged antibiotic treatment.
Northern Queenslanders are advised to wear protective footwear when outdoors, don gloves while working in the garden, cover cuts and sores with waterproof dressings, and wash skin thoroughly after exposure to soil or muddy water following work outdoors.