Health Conditions A-Z Infectious Diseases What Is Melioidosis? This rare bacterial disease is typically found in tropical countries, but it does have a small presence in the US. By Korin Miller Korin Miller Twitter Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, shopping, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Women’s Health, Self, Prevention, Forbes, Daily Beast, and more. health's editorial guidelines Updated on September 25, 2021 Medically reviewed by Isaac O. Opole, MD Medically reviewed by Isaac O. Opole, MD Isaac O. Opole, MD, PhD, FACP, is an internal medicine physician specializing in general and geriatric and hospital medicine at the Kansas University Medical Center. He has been practicing medicine and educating and mentoring medical students and residents for over 20 years. learn more Share Tweet Pin Email Getty Images Melioidosis, also known as Whitmore's disease, is an infectious disease that can infect humans or animals, according to the CDC. While melioidosis is more common in tropical climates, it's found most often in Southeast Asia and northern Australia. Melioidosis isn't an infection most people in the US are familiar with, and with good reason. "It is very rare in the US," said Richard Watkins, MD, an infectious disease physician and professor of internal medicine at the Northeast Ohio Medical University. According to the CDC, about a dozen or so cases of melioidosis occur annually in the US. Typically, the people who develop melioidosis have been traveling in countries where the disease is more prevalent. However, there have been a few reported cases from people who have not traveled to countries where the disease is widespread. Also, in 2022 the CDC discovered the B. psuedomallei bacteria in the soil along the Gulf Coast Region of Mississippi. Here's what you need to know about this serious infection. Causes Melioidosis is caused by the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei. According to the CDC, the bacterium spreads to people and animals when they make contact with contaminated water and soil. According to the CDC, it's thought that people and animals can get the infection by: Inhaling contaminated dust or water dropletsConsuming contaminated water/foodComing into direct contact with contaminated soil (especially through cuts or scrapes) "The vast majority of cases in the United States are in individuals who travel to areas where this infection is common," said infectious disease expert Amesh A. Adalja, MD, senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. What Is RSV? The CDC Issued a Warning About This Infectious Disease-Here's What Experts Say Symptoms There are different types of melioidosis infections, and each has its own symptoms. The CDC breaks it down this way: Localized Infection Localized pain or swellingFeverUlcerationAbscess Lung Infection CoughChest painHigh feverHeadacheAnorexia Bloodstream Infection FeverHeadacheRespiratory distressAbdominal discomfortJoint painDisorientation Widespread Infection FeverWeight lossStomach or chest painMuscle or joint painHeadacheCentral nervous system/brain infectionSeizures Treatment Melioidosis treatment usually starts with an IV antimicrobial infusion that lasts for a minimum of two weeks, according to the CDC. And if the infection is severe, IV medication may be needed for up to eight weeks. After that, patients will be given three to six months of oral antimicrobial medication to help them recover. Risk Factors Technically, anyone can get the infection. According to the CDC, there are a few factors that increase your risk, including having one of the following underlying conditions: DiabetesLiver diseaseKidney diseaseThalassemia (a blood disorder)Cancer or another immune-suppressing condition not related to HIVChronic lung disease How Concerned Should You Be? Dr. Adalja said the general public shouldn't worry about this. "It is important [for health officials] to understand what their ultimate source is." Why? "Melioidosis is also an important agent in biological warfare/bioterrorism, so all cases outside of endemic region require thorough investigation," Dr. Adalja said. According to the CDC, bioterrorism is when germs are released on purpose to make people sick or kill them. "It's also important to understand if any of the involved persons were connected to any lab working with the bacteria where a biosafety lapse may have occurred." Prevention In areas where melioidosis is common (aka not the US), it's recommended that people wear protective clothes like shoes and gloves when they're exposed to soil or water, like when they're gardening, according to the CDC. "Also, it can be inhaled during monsoon season, so it is important to take precautions if outside during the rain where bacteria may be kicked up in endemic areas," Dr. Adalja said. The CDC also recommends that healthcare workers use standard precautions—such as proper hand hygiene and personal protective equipment—when treating people with melioidosis to help prevent infection to protect themselves. Summary Melioidosis is rare in the US, but it does happen. "If you develop symptoms of melioidosis, especially after contact with water or soil, you should seek medical care right away," Dr. Watkins said. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit