Two die in far north Queensland as health authorities warn of spike in melioidosis

Two people have died in northern Queensland after contracting melioidosis, which spreads via contaminated soil, water and air. Photograph: Jono Searle/AAP

Two people have died in far north Queensland after contracting melioidosis, a tropical bacterial infection, prompting a warning from health authorities about a “very big” spike in cases possibly linked to recent heavy rainfall.

Melioidosis is endemic in parts of Queensland and the Northern Territory, where it is often contracted from contaminated soil. It can also be spread via water or the air.