The problems within the health field do not end and in the midst of the current pandemic there is now a new problem. It is a rare outbreak of melioidosis that has been generated in the United States, although its origin could be in South Asia. At the moment Reuters has confirmed an outbreak of four cases, although the most unfortunate thing is that two of the affected people have already died. Now the fear is that more will be produced, so some indications have already been issued that the medical community should follow.
Now, what is known is that melioidosis is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia Pseudomallei. The cases are usually very rare and most are generated in South Asia. While one of the most important points is that the diagnosis is often complicated for patients because the picture is confused with the tuberculosis.
Symptoms in patients
Within the main symptom persistent cough, chest pain, fever, headache, or unexplained weight loss are found. If any of the signs appear, it is necessary to see a doctor immediately.
About the current outbreak. the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States (CDC) confirmed three cases in Kansas, Texas and Minnesota, while now one more has been released in Georgia.
Cases of the disease have been found in three other states. https://t.co/kjuy8ibLmG
– Fresno Bee (@FresnoBee) August 9, 2021
By sequencing the whole genome, it was found that the bacterial strains that made the four patients ill coincide with each other, suggesting that there is a common source for these cases. Furthermore, they are all closely related to the strains found in South Asia. Despite the above, the strangest thing is that none of the patients has a recent history of international flight.
At the moment the hypothesis is being handled that the infections occurred through an imported product such as food or drink. It could also be through personal care products, cleaning products, or medications.
Meanwhile a team of specialists has already collected more than 100 product, soil and water samples in and around patients’ homes. It is expected that over the next few days the results of the analysis will be obtained.
It is also indicated that the reported cases correspond to both children and adults. It is also mentioned that two of the patients had no risk factors. According to the medical literature, the most important are diabetes, liver or kidney disease and cancer.
Indication for physicians
For now, the CDC has asked physicians to consider melioidosis for any acute bacterial infection that does not respond to normal antibiotics, regardless of whether the patient has traveled outside of the United States or not.
Whereas treatment for patients generally involves antimicrobial therapy administered intravenously for at least two weeks and up to six months of oral antimicrobial therapy.