Kaohsiung as of Wednesday had recorded 30 cases of melioidosis this year following a barrage of typhoons, strong winds and heavy rain, as well as three deaths since Typhoon Danas struck early last month.
The deaths were all men above the age of 50, two of whom already had chronic conditions, including high blood pressure and liver disease, the Kaohsiung Department of Health said today.
One of the deceased frequented mountainous areas to collect water, while another often came into contact with dirty water and soil, it said.
Photo courtesy of the Kaohsiung Department of Health
The men were from Nanzih (楠梓), Zuoying (左營) and Zihguan (梓官) districts, it added.
All three had reported symptoms after Typhoon Danas last month, it said.
According to department statistics, of the 30 reported cases of melioidosis in Kaohsiung, 28 were above the age of 50 and 19 were above the age of 65, while 24 had chronic conditions and 11 frequently came into contact with contaminated water or soil.
Melioidosis is a bacterial infection that can become more prevalent after typhoons, as the bacteria that cause the disease are commonly found in soil and can be released by heavy rain or strong winds.
The infection usually begins after bacteria enters the skin via contact with open wounds, but can also be contracted via eating, drinking or otherwise ingesting substances that came into contact with contaminated water, soil or dust, it said.
The elderly, people with chronic conditions and immunocompromised people are high-risk groups and face an increased risk of infection, it added.
The department warned the public to wear a mask, waterproof gloves, long boots and other protective clothing when coming into contact with sewage, muddy water or soil to avoid direct contact with contaminated particles.
It also advised the public to boil water collected from mountain springs and wells before drinking, and to be vigilant of any open wounds to prevent infections.
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