Russians planning summer vacations abroad are being warned about the potential danger of contracting melioidosis, a rare but severe infection. The disease, often mistaken for tuberculosis due to similar symptoms, can rapidly progress and become fatal within days.
Melioidosis is an infectious disease frequently manifesting as severe sepsis with multiple abscesses in various organs, or as an acute pulmonary infection. Two imported cases of melioidosis from Thailand were recorded in Russia in 2017 and 2024.
The infection is commonly found in Southeast Asia and tropical regions, including Thailand, India, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, the Maldives, some African countries like Madagascar and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Central and South America, such as Mexico, Brazil, and Puerto Rico. Transmission occurs through contaminated water, soil, food, and even air.
Infection can occur by consuming food and water contaminated with secretions from infected animals like rodents, cats, dogs, and cows. An airborne dust transmission route is also possible. The bacteria can enter the body through minor skin damage exposed to contaminated soil.
Symptoms may appear within days of infection. The bacteria can remain dormant for years, activating later when immunity decreases. Melioidosis can begin suddenly, resembling a common acute respiratory viral infection, with symptoms such as chills, high fever, severe headache, and shortness of breath developing rapidly. Without timely medical intervention, death can occur in 2-4 days.
In some instances, the disease progresses more slowly, with gradual weakness, chest pain, cough, and fever. Skin manifestations include pustular rash, liquid watery stools, purulent arthritis, and inflammatory infiltrates at the site of pathogen entry.
The disease can be transmitted from person to person. A case of sexual transmission from a patient with chronic prostatitis to his wife has been documented, as well as a case in a nurse who worked with melioidosis patients in Russia. All patients are subject to hospitalization and isolation.
The disease poses a greater risk to individuals over 45, children, pregnant women, diabetics, and those with chronic heart, lung, liver, and kidney diseases. Patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, or those with alcoholism or drug addiction are also at higher risk.
Due to the absence of a vaccine, sepsis is more likely to develop with melioidosis than with tuberculosis. Treatment involves long-term antibiotic therapy, which should be initiated promptly upon diagnosis.
To minimize infection risk during vacation, it’s advised to avoid drinking untreated water, swimming in stagnant water, carefully select dining establishments, and avoid contact with animals and soil, especially if the skin is damaged.