Image by University of Cambridge DevelopmentsThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), announced this week that they are investigating cases of a deadly, rare bacterial infection in the United States and that it is threatening more people.According to a Wednesday health advisory, the CDC is investigating three cases of Burkholderia pseudomallei, or melanoidosis, in Texas, Minnesota, and Kansas. Two adults and one child were the patients. The first case, which was fatal, was found in March 2021. Two more patients were found in May 2021. One of the patients is still in hospital, and the other was transferred to a transitional unit.Strangely, none of these patients has ever traveled outside the United States. The agency suggests that they could have contracted the disease from the same source as one another, such an animal or imported product.According to the CDC advisory, the disease can cause a variety of symptoms, including cough, shortness of breath, weakness, nausea, vomiting and intermittent fever. There are also rash conditions on the trunk, abdomen and face.AdvertisementAdvertisementAccording to Health.com, Melioidosis bacteria occurs more often in tropical climates such as Southeast Asia and northern Australia. Although rare, it is possible to contract the disease by direct contact with soil, water, and food. According to the CDC, treatment for bacteria can take anywhere from two to eight weeks.The agency has also released a list indicating possible symptoms such as localized pain or swelling and fever, ulceration and abscess, chest pain, high fever and headache.To Health.com, Dr. Richard Watkins, a Northeast Ohio Medical University professor of internal medicine and infectious disease physician, advised that melioidosis symptoms should be treated immediately if they occur, particularly after coming in contact with soil or water.All this is happening against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to recognize the possibility of another life-threatening disease emerging and do everything we can to stop it from happening.AdvertisementAdvertisementFuturism readers are invited to join the Singularity Global Community. This is our parent company's forum for futuristic science and technology discussions with other like-minded people around the globe. Sign up today to get started!
