Bold introduction:
The CDC has issued a warning regarding a lethal bacteria that kills up to half of those infected, Burkholderia pseudomallei, which has now become prevalent along the US Gulf Coast.
Main body:
Burkholderia pseudomallei, a deadly bacteria, may be present in soil and stagnant waters across a 1,600-mile stretch from Texas to Florida. This is a cause for concern as the bacterial infection is responsible for severe pneumonic and septic symptoms, with a mortality rate of nearly 50%. Dr. Julia Petras of the CDC has cautioned doctors about this “great mimicker” disease, urging healthcare professionals to be vigilant in diagnosing it correctly.
The infection is significantly underreported and underdiagnosed as a neglected tropical disease. It is commonly found in the soil and muddy freshwater environments of Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. However, in recent years, Burkholderia pseudomallei has been detected in several patients in Kansas, Texas, and Minnesota.
In 2022, the CDC identified the bacteria for the first time in soil from the Mississippi coast. Consequently, the agency is now warning that the deadly pathogen could potentially be lurking in Mississippi, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida. The bacteria generally reside in soil and freshwater and can infect those who come into contact with contaminated water or soil. In rare cases, it can also be transmitted via sexual contact or during pregnancy.
Although it is still unclear how the bacteria arrived in the United States, there have been a total of four recorded instances, with two fatalities. In one case, individuals died after inhaling contaminated aromatherapy spray from India in 2021. In 2020 and 2022, two Mississippi residents contracted the bacterial infection but were later cured following treatment.
Dr. Petras explains that the CDC has established protocols for handling Burkholderia pseudomallei infections. The treatment involves a minimum of two weeks on intravenous antibiotics, followed by three to six months of oral antibiotics. Provided that the patient is diagnosed promptly and completes the full course of treatment, the prognosis for recovery is favorable.
Bold conclusion:
As the deadly Burkholderia
