How can melioidosis be
prevented?
There is currently no vaccine against
melioidosis. Therefore preventive
measures are the key to avoiding infection.
People with past melioidosis can be
infected again after new exposure
Waterproof shoes or boots will protect
your feet when you walk in wet soil where
there is pooled water or you work in muddy
conditions, for example, when gardening
or working in excavations. Open footwear
such as sandals are not very good
protection. Protective gloves should be
worn when handling soil, particularly during
the wet season.
Wounds should be promptly and
thoroughly washed clean and covered.
If necessary, use pumping equipment to
control water ingress when working in
excavations.
Due to the potential for aerosolisation
(airborne droplets) of
Burkholderia
pseudomallei
people with risk factors such
as diabetes, heavy alcohol consumption,
kidney disease, lung disease and cancer
and those on immunosuppressive therapy
should stay indoors during periods of
heavy wind and rain in the Top End.