Melioidosis

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Bacteriology
• Public Health Surveillance

Background:

• Melioidosis (Whitmore's disease) is an infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei.
• The bacterium is endemic in tropical climates, particularly Southeast Asia and northern Australia.
• Melioidosis has not been previously detected in the contiguous United States.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first detection of melioidosis in the contiguous US.
• To document the initial cases and their outcomes.
• To raise awareness of this emerging infectious disease threat.

Main Methods:

• Surveillance and case identification by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Geographic and temporal tracking of reported cases.
• Clinical and epidemiological data collection.

Main Results:

• Four cases of melioidosis occurred between March and July 2021.
• Cases were reported in Georgia, Kansas, Texas, and Minnesota.
• Two patients died, and two recovered.

Conclusions:

• The contiguous US is now considered a region where melioidosis can occur.
• This emergence necessitates enhanced surveillance and diagnostic preparedness.
• Further research is needed to understand the source and transmission routes.