Melioidosis: 3,102 cases and 136 deaths in Thailand this year, DDC says

Thailand's Department of Disease Control recorded 3,102 melioidosis cases and 136 deaths between 1 January and 27 October 2026, 1,828 of them hospitalised. Most cases were in the northeast (Mukdahan, Bueng Kan, Yasothon, Buri Ram, Ubon Ratchathani), and the total is slightly below the five-year median. The bacteria live in soil and water in every region and spread most in the rainy season.

Infection comes through cuts or mucous membranes in contact with mud or water, through contaminated food or water, or by breathing in soil particles. Symptoms such as fever, cough and breathlessness usually appear four to nine days later. People with diabetes, chronic kidney disease or thalassaemia are at higher risk.

The DDC advice: avoid wading through floodwater or mud, wear boots and gloves if you must, wash with soap afterwards, keep open wounds away from soil and water, eat cooked food and drink bottled water. A fever of two days or more after contact with soil or water is a reason to see a doctor and mention the exposure.