Moreton Bay Regional Council has closed flood clean up sites at Centenary Lakes at Caboolture upon confirmation of two cases staff members contracting Melioidosis (Click here to find out more about Melioidosis).
Council is working with relevant agencies to address and investigate the incident. Council is also making contact with all persons who may have worked at the site since the recent floods. They are being urged to seek medical assistance if they exhibit symptoms such as fever, headache, loss of appetite, cough, chest pain, and general muscle soreness.
The effects can also be localised to infection on the skin (cellulitis) with associated fever and muscle aches.
In line with the health alert issued by Queensland's Chief Health Officer, members of the public are urged to stay clear of areas such as beaches, rivers, creeks and other waterways that were subject to increased inflows of debris and run-off due to the recent floods.
Melioidosis, also called Whitmore's Disease, is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Burkholderia pseudomallei (previously known as Pseudomonas pseudomallei). The bacteria are found in contaminated water and soil and spread to humans and animals through direct contact with the contaminated source.
