Potentially Deadly Melioidosis Endemic Declared in Mississippi Region

A local endemic of a potentially deadly bacteria found in Mississippi soil was recently declared by the CDC last Wednesday (July 27). The bacteria, Burkholderia pseudomallei, causes a respiratory disease called melioidosis usually reported in tropical and subtropical areas including Southeast Asia, northern Australia, and Central and Southern America.

Recently, there have been two unrelated cases diagnosed in the southern Mississippi Gulf Coast region, one in July, 2020 and one from this May. Soil samples were taken from the surrounding residential area of the patient diagnosed in 2020 and were tested for contamination with the bacteria. Both PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and culture tests came back positive, and it was concluded that the source of the cases originated from the environment.

Melioidosis in itself is a very rare disease, posing low risk to the general population. Twelve cases on average are reported annually in the United States, acquired from international travel and exposure to areas with higher prevalence. Most individuals exposed do not develop symptoms, but if they do, onset varies quite drastically: some take two to four weeks, others could take as little as one hour, or as much as a year. However, those immunocompromised are at risk for developing serious symptoms, if not fatality. Inherited blood conditions such as thalassemia, liver, kidney, and lung disease, as well as excessive alcohol use are several medical issues that predispose patients to worsened reactions. Death is reported in 10 to 50 percent of cases globally.

Symptoms of the disease can easily be confused with other causes. Some of these consist of fever, localized pain and swelling, cough, chest pain, trouble breathing, weight loss, confusion, headache, and seizures, among others.

Infection with the bacteria can occur through three primary methods: direct contact with open wounds, inhalation, and ingestion. Anything from inhaling infected water droplets or airborne particles to consuming food grown in contaminated soil can result in exposure.

Whether it has spread to external areas is not clear and more investigation is being done regarding future threats the disease could present. Melioidosis may not pose concern to most people but those predisposed should maintain prudence.