Taiwan has recorded a historic high of 27 melioidosis infections so far this year, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said yesterday, attributing the surge to frequent typhoons and the disease’s long incubation period.
The latest six cases were reported in Kaohsiung between Tuesday last week and Monday following Typhoon Danas, with two resulting in death, CDC officials said in their weekly briefing.
The six infected people, aged 52 to 95, included two with confirmed exposure to contaminated floodwater or mud, the agency added.
Photo courtesy of Chien Huan-tsung
One of the deceased, a man in his 50s with a history of alcoholic hepatitis, developed fever and abdominal pain and later died from pneumonia and septic shock.
The second fatality was a bedridden man in his 90s with heart disease who rapidly succumbed to pneumonia and bloodstream infection, the CDC said.
Melioidosis-causing bacteria, commonly found in soil and stagnant water, tend to spread more easily after heavy rains, the CDC said.
An unusually high number of 13 cases were already reported between January and April, likely linked to four typhoons that struck Taiwan late last year, it said.
Health officials urged the public — particularly the elderly and those with chronic illnesses — to take precautions during storm cleanup, including wearing boots and gloves, and avoiding contact with contaminated water or soil.
The CDC advised anyone experiencing fever, abdominal pain or breathing difficulties after flood exposure to seek medical attention immediately.
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