Heartbreak in Australian families as death toll from ‘killer’ disease hits ‘unprecedented’ numbers
A sad family warns Australians to take “unprecedented” rise seriously in the case of deadly soil-borne disease.
At least 31 Australians have died after being infected with the tropical disease Meriniro disease so far this year, with 211 cases recorded across the state.
Compared with previous years, the number of people with diseases caused by bacteria lurking in mud and dirty water has increased significantly.
Evan Brown’s family, who contracted the disease and died in the hospital in March last year, warned that Australians should not think their symptoms were flu.
“It’s something we didn’t put together, and I really wish we had it,” his wife Sarah Brown said.
“I really hope people can start hearing this information and really knowing it exists – if we continue to have these big flood seasons, things could get worse.”
Mr Brown, a diabetic with an autoimmune disease, believes he suffered from the virus after neutralizing and shutting down a month before being taken to the hospital.
His organs began to close, he was airlifted to the Gold Coast, and eventually he died.
Evan Brown (left) died after staining in March 2024
Experts said earlier this year
Ms Brown said the rising death toll triggered an incredible trigger for her family.
“It’s really horrible for us because obviously it makes everything about us very conscious,” she said.
In northern Australia, fatal tropical diseases caused by bacteria living in disturbed water or soil are often detected.
It is seasonal in nature, and cases usually occur in wet seasons when heavy rain or flooding, such as what is seen in Queensland in the fall.
Professor Paul Griffin, Director of Infectious Diseases at Mater Health Services, said the extraordinary floods in North Queensland were a key factor in the surge in cases.
“When you see rainfall and the flooding incidents we have, we expect our cases to increase,” he said.
“But I think the magnitude and number of deaths, especially, are a bit surprising.”
Some medical experts also recommend Soil disturbance during the Bruce Highway upgrade may be a contributing factor.
In the context of tropical diseases, the brown family said in a shocking rise
“Of course, there are speculations that there are some cases clustering out there, and that may be a factor,” Professor Griffin said.
Responsible for the project’s infrastructure transportation and main roads, they have previously said that they met with researchers about the construction.
“If the health investigation confirms that ground disturbance engineering is a factor in soil-borne bacteria transmission that causes disease, TMR will implement any advice from experts to ensure that basic road projects reach the highest level of safety.”
Urge those with health conditions of diabetes and lung diseases, such as those who drink large amounts of alcohol, to take precautions.
Symptoms include fever, pneumonia, exhaustion, vomiting, abdominal pain and chest pressure.
Jones boots, trousers, gloves and masks are recommended when exposed to contaminated water or treated soil.
