Melioidosis in the workplace

This information bulletin provides information relating to the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei which causes an infectious disease called melioidosis. It is not intended to be used as medical advice.

Melioidosis is a disease caused by bacteria known as Burkholderia pseudomallei. Melioidosis is predominately a disease of tropical climates. The bacteria that causes melioidosis is found in contaminated water and soil, and usually enters the body via cuts and sores in the skin or via inhalation of dust or droplets. During heavy rainfall the bacteria may be found in surface water and mud and may become airborne.

Who is at risk?

The bacterium that causes melioidosis is common in the environment in tropical and sub-tropical parts of the Northern Territory. The risk of contracting melioidosis is higher during the wet season from October to April.

In these areas, the disease is most likely to develop in people exposed to contaminated soil or water either due to occupational or recreational exposure.

The disease is more likely to develop in people who have underlying conditions such as:

• Diabetes
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Kidney disease
• Lung disease
• Cancer
• Transplant recipients
• Those on immunosuppressive therapy.

Healthy people can also get the disease if they work in muddy soil without good hand, foot and breathing protection. Direct person-to-person contracting of the disease is extremely rare.

Safe work practices

There is no vaccine for melioidosis, therefore safe work practices must be implemented for workers who work in an environment where they may be exposed to the bacteria.

Safe work practices should be developed within the framework of risk identification, risk assessment and risk control. Work practices and the choice of personal protective equipment should be based on developed risk management strategies.

The following should be taken into account prior to commencing work where exposure may occur:

• Identify any workers in higher risk categories (e.g. members with diabetes, lung or kidney disease or any open cuts or sores) and deploy them on an alternative task
• Avoid skin contact with wet soil or muddy water by restructuring the task or by using impermeable personnel protective equipment (PPE) (e.g. glasses, respirators, gloves, appropriate footwear)
• At the beginning of each job, workers should wash their hands to both clean them and identify any cuts or breaks in the skin. Cuts or abrasions (including minor cuts and scratches) should be covered with waterproof dressings
• Protect workers from breathing dust or water droplets
• Provide adequate washing facilities and ensure workers wash thoroughly before eating or drinking.

Personal protective clothing and equipment serves as a barrier to exposure to bacteria. Workers should be trained in correct fit and use and the appropriate equipment should be accessible to workers at all times. All this equipment should be checked regularly, maintained and restocked as necessary.

Notify NT WorkSafe

Notification is required for serious illnesses which resulted from carrying out work. If one of your workers has contracted melioidosis, notify us immediately on 1800 019 115.

Further information

A range of information is available on the internet relating to melioidosis. The Northern Territory Centre for Disease Control provides further information relating to this disease.