Unprecedented Surge of Melioidosis after Typhoon Events in Taiwan 2024

Melioidosis, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, is a potentially fatal bacterial infection endemic to Southeast Asia and northern Australia. The disease often resurges after extreme weather events, such as typhoons. In this study, we investigated the epidemiological trends of melioidosis in Taiwan from 2015 to 2024, focusing on the impact of typhoon-associated precipitation. A total of 396 confirmed cases were reported over the decade, with 123 cases (31.1%) occurring in 2024 alone. Statistical analysis revealed a weak but significant correlation between precipitation and melioidosis incidence (Spearman rho: 0.275, P = 0.002), whereas leptospirosis incidence exhibited a stronger correlation with rainfall (Spearman rho: 0.477, P <0.01). These findings suggest that although increased rainfall may facilitate the dissemination of B. pseudomallei, other environmental and host-related factors likely contribute to disease outbreaks. A multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify the relationship between meteorological and socioeconomic variables and the log-transformed melioidosis incidence across regions. Among the predictors, 10-minute sustained wind speed was significantly associated with higher melioidosis incidence (β = 1.769, P = 0.025), whereas maximum wind speed showed a significant negative association (β = -1.366, P = 0.049). Given the potential influence of climate change and globalization on infectious disease transmission, continuous surveillance and proactive public health measures are essential to mitigate future outbreaks. Physicians should remain vigilant for melioidosis and leptospirosis, particularly after typhoons and among travelers returning from affected regions.