Posted on 06/03/2023 7:00:43 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
A potentially deadly germ has made its way to the U.S. Gulf Coast, health officials warned this week.
So far, three cases of infection from the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei have been reported to the U.S. CDC. The bacteria causes melioidosis, which can be fatal if left untreated.
"It is an environmental organism that lives naturally in the soil, and typically freshwater in certain areas around the world. Mostly in subtropical and tropical climates," said Julia Petras.
Melioidosis is now considered endemic to the U.S. Gulf Coast and infections may be seen from Texas to Florida, Petras said.
But because most people exposed to B. mallei don't have symptoms of infection and develop antibodies against it, many more people have most likely been infected, she said.
The most common ways the bacterium infects people is through open wounds or by being inhaled during a severe storm with high winds. It can also be ingested by drinking contaminated water, she noted.
Those most at risk for a serious bout of melioidosis are people with diabetes and those with chronic liver or kidney disease or any autoimmune disease, she explained.
"Excessive alcohol use and binge drinking has actually been associated with cases," Petras said.
Once infected, the bacterium attacks various organs including the lungs, brain and any organ with an abscess. "A lot of patients will have pneumonia with sepsis, and or sepsis, which is associated with higher mortality and worse outcomes," she said.
Petras said that doctors along the Gulf Coast need to be aware of the possibility of B. mallei infection.
That advice is especially aimed at diabetics and others with chronic conditions or autoimmune diseases.
"This is one of those diseases that is also called the great mimicker because it can look like a lot of different things," Petras explained.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
What does that mean? How far from the coast? Mobile, Panama City, Naples, Tampa? Biloxi, Galveston, Corpus Christi?
Or inland? Only part, or all of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida? I'm about 150 miles North of the Gulf. Should I worry?
Inhaled during a storm... sheesh.
The vaccine has destroyed immune systems. I know firsthand. The stage has been set for more national health crises. Guaranteed.
US doctors will just think it is pneumonia.
https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/9546/melioidosis
Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei that are commonly found in the soil and water. Melioidosis is a rare disease in the United States, but it is common in tropical or subtropical areas of the world, including Southeast Asia, Africa, and Australia. The signs and symptoms of the disease can vary greatly and may mimic those of tuberculosis or common forms of pneumonia. Symptoms may include pain or swelling, fever, abscess, cough, high fever, headache, trouble breathing, and more. Although healthy people can also experience symptoms of the disease, people with certain conditions like diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, thalassemia, cancer, or certain autoimmune diseases may be more severely affected. Diagnosis is made by collecting blood, sputum, urine, or pus samples and growing the bacteria.
“inhaled during a severe storm with high winds”
Wow...I guess the wind kicks up contaminated soil?
“Inhaled during a storm... sheesh.”
A storm...caused by global warming...caused by fossil fuels usage. You gotta read between the leftist idiocy lines.
“Something to be aware of, when on the Gulf coast.”
Three cases: Texas, Oklahoma, Minnesota
“germ has made its way to the U.S.”
Catholic Church Agencies?
DHS Exclusive Escort Around Border Patrol(s)?
DHS Exclusive Gain of American Citizenship Functions?
Mayorkas Get Into US Free Card?
You obviously don’t know about the three separate cases in Mississippi, which were listed in this very article.
Try again.
You obviously don’t know about the three cases outside Mississippi, which were not listed in this very article.
Try again.
This would be great if it slows down the freeloaders seeking an asylum to live in in the U.S.
I suspect dirt with the bug gets into storm water and then gets blown around as contaminated spray.
Melioidosis is now considered endemic to the U.S. Gulf Coast and infections may be seen from Texas to Florida, Petras said.
Imagine that.
I wonder how a tropical disease could have gotten in the US........
Melioidosis: insights into the pathogenicity of Burkholderia pseudomallei
Guess where it's emdemic...Southeast Asia and Northern Australia.
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