Laos has been grappling with a serious bacterial disease, melioidosis, which is caused by bacteria found in soil and water throughout the country. Commonly referred to as “soil fever” in neighboring countries, melioidosis ranks as the second most prevalent infectious disease in Laos, trailing only dengue fever.
Over the past two decades, diagnostic tests have identified more than 2,400 cases of melioidosis in Laos, with a staggering mortality rate of 29-30%, according to Dr. Kugeo Phommasone, Deputy Head of the Department of Microbiology at Mahosot Hospital. “Previously, this disease was not recognized due to the lack of diagnostic tools. In 1999, Laos partnered with Oxford University to initiate proper diagnosis,” Dr. Kugeo explained.
The Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit (LOMWRU) highlighted in its 2016 report that melioidosis is a critical yet often overlooked infectious disease in tropical countries, including Laos. The report revealed that since 1999, more than 1,100 cases had been diagnosed in Laos, with 158 cases recorded in 2016 alone. Alarmingly, many more cases may go undiagnosed, particularly in the southern provinces, leading to preventable deaths.
The culprit behind melioidosis is Burkholderia pseudomallei, a gram-negative bacterium that thrives in diverse environments, particularly in Southeast Asia. This bacterium can persist in soil and water for months and infects people primarily through skin wounds, contaminated water, or inhalation of dust. Farmers and individuals working in close contact with soil and water are at the highest risk.
Symptoms of melioidosis are non-specific and vary widely, often involving infections in the lungs, liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. In severe cases, the infection progresses rapidly, resulting in small abscesses that grow over time.
Melioidosis remains challenging to diagnose, as its symptoms mimic those of other illnesses. Once diagnosed, treatment involves an intensive two-week course of antibiotics administered intravenously, followed by a five-month regimen of oral antibiotics. Delayed or incorrect treatment increases the risk of complications and death.
Preventive measures are vital to combat melioidosis. Health officials urge individuals to clean and disinfect wounds immediately, avoid direct contact with soil and water, wear protective gloves and boots, and consume only clean or boiled water. For individuals with chronic illnesses or malnutrition, special precautions are necessary to mitigate risks.
As melioidosis continues to claim lives in Laos, public health officials emphasize the importance of increased awareness and early diagnosis. Collaborative efforts between healthcare providers, researchers, and the community are crucial to controlling the spread of this silent killer.
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