SEREMBAN: The Health Ministry is taking steps to tackle a possible spread of infectious disease Melioidosis, caused by the bacterium burkholderia pseudomallei from contaminated water sources and soil.
Its director general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the bacteria transmission can occur through direct contact with soil or water through injury, inhalation of dust or contact with droplets of contaminated water.
"Among the symptoms of Melioidosis is localised infections such as swelling, fever, joint pain and sores, abscesses. Victims may also suffer from cough, chest pain, high fever, headache and anorexia," he said in a statement posted on his Facebook account.
He added that Melioidosis can also cause blood infections which patients will develop a fever, headache, joint pain, breathing difficulties, abdominal discomfort, muscle tenderness and confusion,
"Another sign is the spread of infection, weight loss, abdominal pain or chest pain, muscle or joint pain, headaches and seizures,” he revealed.
Dr Noor Hisham pointed out that high-risk persons exposed to infection were diabetics, heart disease, kidney disease, thalassemia, cancer, immune-compromised patients and those with chronic lung disease.
"The high-risk group are advised to avoid direct contact with contaminated soil and water and to wear boots that can prevent infection by foot,"
"They are also advised to wear gloves when gardening and using a mask and gloves when caring for patients," he added.
Dr Noor Hisham also advised people to seek treatment as soon as possible if they develop signs and symptoms of early infection at the nearest health facilities.