SYDNEY, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- A bacterial virus stirred up by floods in north-eastern Australia has left one dead and 10 others in intensive care, local media reported Wednesday.
While water has receded following a two-week deluge which left much of the city of Townsville underwater, a soil-borne bacteria called melioidosis is seeping up from the ground and affecting those with already compromised immune systems.
Townsville Public Health Unit Acting Director Dr Julie Mudd said that so far one woman has been killed and 10 others are in intensive care after having contact with the virus which can lead to pneumonia and blood poisoning among other complications.
"Currently we have 10 confirmed cases (in Townsville) with one person who is deceased," Mudd said.
"Not all of them needed intensive care but we have had a number of people who were significantly unwell."
Mudd said that authorities are preparing themselves for more cases with the threat expected to extend for several weeks.
While melioidosis generally doesn't affect those who are fit and healthy, and can be treated by antibiotics, authorities are still urging residents to take care when returning to their flood affected homes.
