Hurricane Francine aftermath may result in rise in bacterial infections in South, CDC warns

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Hurricane Francine aftermath may result in rise in bacterial infections in South, CDC warns


The Middle for Illness Management is warning these affected by Hurricane Francine of the potential threat of contracting Melioidosis after the storm passes. 

Melioidosis is a bacterial an infection brought on by micro organism known as Burkholderia pseudomallei, or B. pseudomallei, the CDC stated.

It develops after folks or animals make contact with contaminated soil, air or water.

The danger for an infection will increase after hurricanes, heavy rain and different extreme climate occasions, in keeping with the CDC. 

These residing on the Gulf Coast in areas experiencing flooding and heavy rain from Hurricane Francine are at elevated threat of getting the an infection. 

Signs of Melioidosis

Melioidosis has a variety of signs, which normally develop inside 1-4 weeks of publicity to the micro organism.

The W. Napoleon drainage canal overtopped after a deluge of rain from Hurricane Francine in Metairie, La., in Jefferson Parish on Sept. 11, 2024. AP

The illness can present up in many various methods.

It typically manifests as an ulcer or sore on the pores and skin or as a lung an infection.

Signs embody fever, muscle aches, localized swelling, a cough, chest pains, complications and an absence of urge for food, the CDC stated. 

The an infection can have an effect on completely different physique programs and trigger a disseminated an infection.

A household stands on a nook whereas ready for regulation enforcement after their energy went down within the Polk Avenue neighborhood on Sept. 11, 2024, in Houma, Louisiana. Getty Pictures

The CDC stated indicators of a disseminated an infection of Melioidosis embody: fever, headache, problem respiratory, muscle ache, confusion, seizures and abdomen or chest pains. 

The dangers of getting the illness improve with sure medical situations. 

Who could be affected? 

Anybody can get the an infection, and it is vitally uncommon to get it from one other particular person, the CDC stories. 

Many animals can get Melioidosis, together with: canines, cats, sheep, goats, cows, horses, pigs, hogs and boar. 

Hurricane Francine over Louisiana on Sept. 12, 2024. NOAA/AFP through Getty Pictures

Decreasing the chance of contracting Melioidosis

To scale back the chance of an infection, the CDC recommends these items: 

  • When you’ve got open pores and skin wounds, or when you have persistent situations like diabetes or kidney illness, keep away from contact with soil and standing water.
  • In case you do agricultural work or have hobbies or jobs that elevate your threat of publicity, put on boots, which may forestall an infection by way of your toes and decrease legs.
  • Healthcare employees can use normal precautions when treating sufferers with melioidosis to assist forestall an infection. They need to additionally label samples appropriately if they believe melioidosis to guard lab personnel.
  • Laboratory personnel ought to comply with good laboratory practices, together with utilizing applicable private protecting gear (PPE) and respiratory safety.

Treating the illness 

Melioidosis could be handled with antibiotics, the CDC stated. 

The size of remedy is dependent upon how extreme the an infection is. 


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