What is melioidosis and why do cases spike after flooding and heavy rainfall?

Melioidosis commonly presenting as a severe chest infection with symptoms of cough, fevers and chills. It can also affect the skin and internal organs. There are fears cases could rise in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Photograph: Gregory Adams/Getty Images

After major floods in north Queensland at the start of this year, 119 cases of the bacterial disease melioidosis have been reported – more than three times the number of cases reported in the same period in 2024.

Of these cases, 106 were from the areas around Cairns and Townsville. Sixteen people have died so far.