Thongs may be the footwear of choice for Far North Queenslanders, but you could be at risk of being infected with a dangerous disease if you wear them in mud.
There have been 8 cases of melioidosis notified in the Cairns and Hinterland region recently.
This is a high number of cases and a concern considering the wet season is not in full swing.
Melioidosis is a serious bacterial disease found in ground water and soil, and you may be at risk of infection, particularly if you have an underlying medical condition such as diabetes, kidney or lung problems, or are immunocompromised.
Symptoms of melioidosis may include:
Fever
Cough
Difficulty breathing
The effects can be very severe and often require hospitalisation for antibiotic treatment.
To reduce your risk of melioidosis infection, avoid contact with soil or muddy water, particularly after heavy rains.
Wear protective footwear - NOT open footwear such as thongs and sandals - when outdoors, especially in muddy conditions.
