Bacterial infections after a flood

The risk of contracting diseases increases after coming into contact with flood water. It is important that you take precautions to avoid bacteria that can cause infection or disease. Types of bacterial infections that are common after storms, floods or cyclones can include the following.

Melioidosis

Melioidosis is caused by an uncommon soil bacteria that is present in tropical north Australia. Melioidosis infection usually presents as pneumonia, with or without septicaemia (blood poisoning caused by bacteria or their toxins) and can be rapidly fatal. Find out more about meliodosis including the symptoms, treatment, transmission and prevention of melioidosis.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a disease that is caused by a number of different bacteria called Leptospira. People become infected through contact with water, food, or soil contaminated with urine from infected animals such as rodents. Find out more about leptospirosis including the symptoms, treatment, transmission and prevention of leptospirosis.

Q Fever

Q Fever is an illness caused by bacteria called Coxiella burnetii. The main carriers of the disease are farm animals such as cattle, sheep and goats. In rural areas, kangaroos can also be carriers. The bacteria can survive harsh conditions and remain in the environment for long periods of time, so hay, dust and other small particles may also carry the bacteria. Find out more about Q Fever including the symptoms, treatment, transmission and prevention of Q Fever.

Disaster recovery information is available at:
https://www.qld.gov.au/disasterrecovery