BANGKOK, THAILAND – The Thai government warned of a rising number of melioidosis (“soil fever”) cases and urged high‑risk groups to exercise increased caution after 732 infections and 23 deaths were reported nationwide by mid‑April.
Current situation: cases and deaths in Thailand
Deputy government spokesperson Lalida Perisviewattana said the Ministry of Public Health closely monitored the situation because of a continuing upward trend. According to reported data, officials tracked developments on a national scale.
From 1 January to 16 April, health authorities in Thailand recorded 732 confirmed melioidosis cases, and 23 people died. The figures highlighted the growing public health concern.
Most affected: Health Region 7 and older adults
In Health Region 7, which included Khon Kaen, authorities reported 68 cumulative cases and two deaths. Disease control officers noted a clear concentration of patients in this region.
People aged 50 and over were the most affected group there, according to the disease control teams. Officials pointed to age as an important risk factor for severe illness.
What is melioidosis (“soil fever”)?
Melioidosis was caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, which occurred in tropical environments, including Thailand. The organism was known to persist in soil and surface water.
The disease was also known as “soil fever” because the pathogen was frequently found in earth and water. This environmental presence made exposure difficult to avoid in some rural settings.
Routes of infection: soil, water, dust and animals
Infection could occur through direct contact with contaminated soil or water, especially when the bacterium entered the body via skin wounds. This made unprotected work in wet fields or muddy areas particularly risky.
Other routes included inhaling contaminated dust or water droplets, swallowing contaminated food or drinks, and contact with infected animals such as sheep, goats, pigs, wild boar, horses, cats and dogs. These multiple pathways increased the chance of exposure for people working with livestock and in agriculture.
Symptoms and incubation period: from cough to abscess
Symptoms depended on which organs were affected and on the strength of the immune system. In most cases, complaints appeared between one and 21 days after exposure.
In some patients, symptoms could emerge months or even years later. Frequently reported problems included respiratory issues such as cough with sputum and shortness of breath, as well as skin abscesses or chronic wounds.
Severe courses: blood poisoning and shock
If the bacteria entered the bloodstream, serious complications such as sepsis, low blood pressure, shock and death could occur. Doctors regarded this stage as a medical emergency.
The risk of severe disease was higher in people with underlying conditions such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, liver or lung disease, thalassemia or a weakened immune system. Health officials repeatedly highlighted these groups as needing particular protection.
Which organs can be affected
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), melioidosis could spread through the body and involve multiple organs. The infection was therefore considered a systemic threat in vulnerable patients.
Organs mentioned included the liver, spleen, prostate, joints, bones, lymph nodes, skin and brain. This wide range of possible targets contributed to the varied clinical picture.
Treatment: two phases, good outlook if detected early
Authorities stressed that melioidosis was treatable when diagnosed early. Prompt recognition and correct therapy were described as crucial to prevent complications.
Treatment followed a two‑phase approach depending on severity: initially at least two to eight weeks of intravenous antibiotics, followed by three to six months of oral antibiotics to prevent relapse. Patients were advised to complete the full course even if they felt better.
No vaccine: government advises protective measures
As there was currently no vaccine, the government recommended that farmers, agricultural workers and others with frequent contact with soil and water avoid direct exposure as much as possible. When contact could not be avoided, they were urged to wear boots and gloves.
People were also advised to wash hands and feet thoroughly with soap, clean and disinfect wounds immediately and cover them with waterproof dressings, drink only boiled or properly filtered water, and stay away from soil and water during heavy rain or after floods. These measures aimed to cut the risk of infection in everyday activities.
When to see a doctor and where to get help
Anyone with fever lasting more than two days, breathing difficulties or signs of infected wounds was urged to seek medical care immediately. Early consultation with health professionals was described as vital.
Further information was available via the 24‑hour hotline of the Thai Disease Control Department on 1422.
“Melioidosis is curable if it is treated quickly – no one should underestimate the danger.”
said Lalida Perisviewattana, deputy government spokesperson.