What is Melioidosis? Symptoms and Prevention of the Dangerous Soil Fever Disease That Can Be Fatal if Untreated

Get to know"Soil Fever"or Melioidosis, a deadly threat from soil and water. Following a government alert about its outbreak in Thailand, there have been 732 cumulative cases and 23 deaths. Check symptoms, at-risk groups, prevention methods, and treatment guidelines from the Department of Disease Control.

The government, through the Ministry of Public Health, is closely monitoring the situation of Soil Fever, or Melioidosis, as the outbreak trend remains concerning. From 1 January to 16 April 2026, there were 732 cases nationwide and 23 deaths. This follows the death of"Ninja"Wasanpan Pengsomya, a photographer specializing in national and international beauty pageants, who died from the disease, raising significant public awareness in Thailand. We will explain what causes this disease, its severity, and how to protect yourself from becoming the next victim.

What is Soil Fever (Melioidosis)?

Melioidosis, known locally as"Soil Fever,"is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, commonly found in soil and water, especially in agricultural areas. This bacterium is highly resilient in the environment and is a common epidemic disease in Southeast Asia and northern Australia.

How is it transmitted? How can you get infected?

According to the Department of Disease Control, humans can contract the bacteria through three main routes:

• Skin contact: the bacteria enter through wounds or skin softened by prolonged exposure to water or soil.
• Ingestion: drinking water or eating food contaminated with the bacteria.
• Inhalation: breathing in dust particles contaminated with the bacteria, especially shortly after rainfall.

Symptoms of Soil Fever: Watch for warning signs

Soil Fever is called a"master of disguise"because its symptoms resemble many diseases such as tuberculosis or pneumonia, ranging from acute to chronic. These include:

• Lung infection: fever, cough with phlegm, chest pain (similar to pneumonia).
• Bloodstream infection: high fever, shock, low blood pressure (with a very high risk of death).
• Localized infection: abscesses or pus on the skin, swollen lymph nodes, or abscesses in the liver or spleen.

Who is at risk for Soil Fever?

Although healthy individuals can get infected, those at higher risk for severe symptoms are:

• People with diabetes (the highest risk group).
• Patients with chronic kidney disease.
• Those with weakened immune systems or chronic alcohol drinkers.
• People who work closely with soil and water without protective gear.

Treatment and prevention methods

Is it treatable? Soil Fever can be treated with antibiotics but requires a long course (about 3-6 months) and timely diagnosis. If bloodstream infection treatment is delayed, the mortality rate can reach 40-50%.

How to protect yourself:

• Avoid walking barefoot through water or mud; if necessary, wear boots.
• If you have wounds, clean them promptly and avoid contact with soil or water until healed.
• Drink only clean or boiled water.
• If you have a persistent high fever for more than 2-3 days, especially after contact with soil or water, see a doctor immediately and inform them about your exposure.

Soil Fever is not a new disease but a closer threat than many realize. The government has issued warnings, emphasizing that farmers and chronic patients avoid contact with soil and water and seek prompt medical attention if symptoms appear.