Far North Queenslanders are being asked to be extra vigilant when coming into contact with soil and muddy water, following a spike in cases of a dangerous disease in the Cairns region after recent rainfall.

There have been eight cases of melioidosis notified in the Cairns and Hinterland region within the past week.

This is a high number of cases and a concern considering the wet season is not in full swing.

Melioidosis is a serious disease found in ground water and soil. It causes death in up to 50 per cent of untreated cases and up to 20 per cent of treated cases.

Early recognition and treatment are important.

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service Tropical Public Health Services director Dr Jacqueline Murdoch said heavy rainfall brought the melioidosis bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei into surface water and soil.

Dr Murdoch said disease could occur when skin abrasions or wounds came into contact with wet soil or water, or by breathing in dust or droplets, especially during storms or spray from high pressure hoses.

“Melioidosis adversely affects people with additional health issues such as diabetes, kidney problems, lung problems, and those who are immunocompromised such as people receiving cancer treatment or have chronic conditions.” she said.

“Symptoms of acute melioidosis may include fever, cough and difficulty breathing; the effects can be very severe and often require hospitalisation for antibiotic treatment.

“Sometimes the disease presents as superficial skin infections or abscesses in various part of the body.

“If anyone has noticed non-healing wounds or persistent fevers over several weeks, then they should be seen by their GP and checked for this infection, as it can require prolonged antibiotic treatment.”

Dr Murdoch said there was no vaccine to prevent melioidosis, therefore it was vital that people – particularly those with underlying medical conditions – took proper precautions.

“This includes avoiding contact with soil or muddy water, particularly after heavy rains,” she said.

“Wear protective footwear –not open footwear such as thongs and sandals - when outdoors, especially in muddy conditions.

“Consider wearing a mask when using a high-pressure hose around soil or spraying high-pressure bore water.

“Make sure you wear gloves while working in the garden or on farms and covering abrasions and sores with waterproof dressings.

“After any exposure to soil or muddy water, you should wash yourself thoroughly, preferably in a shower.

“People with diabetes should maintain optimal foot care, with help from a podiatrist if necessary.

“And people with risk factors, such as diabetes, kidney problems, lung problems, people who have heavy alcohol consumption, and people on medication that lowers their immune system including cancer treatments should stay indoors during storms when there is heavy wind and rain.”

The Crisafulli Government has announced it has locked-in four years of funding for the Queensland Police Youth Crime Taskforce, after the former Government failed to fund it beyond this financial year.  

A $15.452 million commitment delivers certainty for the Taskforce to continue its operations and with the Making Queensland Safer Laws in effect, gives police the strong laws needed to be effective in tackling youth crime.  

The announcement follows revelations the previous Government failed to fund the Taskforce. 

This ongoing funding will support 16 full-time staff in targeting high harm offending through targeted operations including Taskforce Guardian and Operation Whiskey Legion. 

Youth Crime Co-Responder teams will also become a permanent fixture, empowering young people to make positive choices and aiming to reduce the number of young people committing offences.  

Premier David Crisafulli said setting the Taskforce in stone was another step towards unlocking the grip of Labor’s youth crime crisis on Queensland. 

“For Queensland to successfully unravel a generation of youth crime we need permanent laws and a permanent policing presence,” Premier Crisafulli said.

"Today’s announcement means the Youth Crime Taskforce can focus on the survival of Queenslanders, not looking over its own should for its own ongoing survival,

“Adult Crime, Adult Time gives the Taskforce the tools it needs to make our community safer and this decision locks in the resources to focus on closing the revolving door on youth criminals.”

Minister for Police Dan Purdie said the funding worked hand-in-glove with stronger laws to empower police to do their jobs effectively.   

“The Crisafulli Government has secured $15m in funding to support the front-line and enforce the toughest youth crime laws Queensland has ever seen,” Minister Purdie said.

“The fact Labor failed to fund the Taskforce into the future is more evidence they didn’t take youth crime seriously.

“Labor’s weak laws were a handbrake, now the Taskforce can accelerate the fight against youth crime.

“Our message to police is clear: we’ve got your back, and will give you the certainty, resources and powers you need to do your job properly.”

Queensland Police Service Commissioner Steve Gollschewski assured Queenslanders the service was committing to addressing youth crime from every angle.

“My priority is ensuring the community is, and feels safe, by targeting offenders causing harm to our community,” Commissioner Gollschewski said. 

“We continue to see positive results through Taskforce Guardian, Operation Whiskey Legion, and proactive activities including high visibility patrols and engagements with young people.”