Melioidosis in Vietnam

Every year, approximately 10,000 people are diagnosed with an infection called melioidosis. Of these, as many as half die from this disease. Recently, many cases have been reported in the provinces of Nghe An, Yen Bai, Thai Nguyen, and Ha Tinh.

Advice

Melioidosis is a disease caused by bacteria and is occurs most commonly during the rainy season in its endemic areas of Southeast Asia and Australia. It is acquired through direct exposrue to contaminated soil and water. The most common symptoms of this infection include pneumonia, associated with high fever, muscle aches, cough and chest pain. The disease is often fatal when the bacteria enter the bloodstream. Although the risk for the general traveller is low, travellers who may visit rural areas and engage in agriculture may come in contact with the bacteria.