In Australia, the death toll from an outbreak of the tropical disease melioidosis, linked to heavy rainfall and flooding in the northern part of the country, has reached 31 this year. According to the latest data from the health department in Queensland, in the past week, four cases of melioidosis have been reported. Of which, one is in Townsville and three are in the city of Cairns, further north.

It takes the total number of reported cases in Queensland in 2025 to 221, an increase of 163 compared to the same point in 2024. Townsville, Cairns and surrounding areas received record-breaking rainfall in February that caused widespread devastating flooding. Melioidosis is a rare tropical disease caused by bacteria commonly found in soil and water in Southeast Asia and northern Australia. After heavy rainfall, it becomes airborne.