A LURKING danger during rains and floods is melioidosis, aka Whitmore’s disease or soil fever, with 3,102 cases and 136 deaths reported so far thus the public should avoid direct contact with soil and floodwaters and those who develop a fever should immediately seek medical attention, PPTVHD36 said today (Oct. 29).
Dr. Montien Kanasawat, director-general of the Department of Disease Control, said as rain continues to fall in some areas, leading to flooding or waterlogged, damp soil, certain groups face a higher risk of contracting soil fever include individuals living in flooded areas, farmers, and those whose work requires direct contact with soil or water.
Also at high risk are individuals with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or thalassemia.
Data from Digital Disease Surveillance (DDS) system, managed by the Division of Epidemiology, shows from Jan. 1 to Oct. 27 there were 3,102 cases and 136 deaths, a case fatality rate of 4.38%.
The three age groups with the highest incidence rates (cases per 100,000 population) are those aged 60 and older, followed by the 50–59 age group, and then the 40–49 age group.
Most cases were concentrated in the Northeastern region, including provinces such as Mukdahan, Bueng Kan, Yasothon, Buriram, and Ubon Ratchathani. Of the total, 1,828 patients required hospital treatment. Overall, the number of cases reported this year remains slightly below the median for the preceding five-year period.
The bacteria that causes soil fever is commonly found in soil and water sources throughout Thailand. It can enter the human body through various routes: contact with the bacteria via skin abrasions or wounds, consumption of contaminated food or water, or inhalation of dust containing the bacteria.
Symptoms typically appear four to nine days after exposure, though they can manifest as early as one day later or, in some cases, not until a year later, depending on the bacterial load and the individual’s immune status. The disease presents with non-specific symptoms; it may manifest as a localised infection or spread systemically to affect various organs, making its clinical presentation diverse and similar to many other infectious diseases.
In most cases, the illness begins with a fever. Symptoms may include respiratory issues such as coughing or shortness of breath. In some cases, abscesses may develop on the skin or in the lungs, liver, or spleen. Severe cases can lead to sepsis (bloodstream infection), making diagnosis challenging; therefore, laboratory culture tests are essential for confirming the diagnosis and guiding treatment.
Steps to prevent catching soil fever:
– Avoid wading through water or mud, and minimise direct contact with soil or water. If contact is unavoidable, wear protective gear such as rubber boots, rubber gloves, long trousers, or waterproof protective clothing. After any exposure to soil or water, wash your body thoroughly with soap and clean water immediately.
– If you have a skin wound, clean it promptly with an antiseptic and avoid further contact with soil or water until the wound has completely healed.
– Consume only thoroughly cooked food, and drink water from standardised, sealed containers or water that has been boiled.
– Avoid being outdoors during heavy rain—especially during strong winds or storms—as this may lead to the inhalation of soil particles contaminated with the bacteria.
– If you experience a high fever lasting two or more days, particularly if you have had contact with soil or water, seek medical attention immediately. This is especially important for farmers and individuals with diabetes.
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page: A man walking through mud.
Insert: Dr. Montien Kanasawat. Both photos – PPTVHD36
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