Father of Two Dies After Contracting Rare Disease
A Cairns family is urging residents to take extra precautions amid an outbreak of melioidosis, a rare but potentially fatal bacterial disease that has already claimed four lives in the region this year.
Evan Brown, a 40-year-old father of two, initially thought he had the flu when he suddenly developed multiple organ failure and septicaemia last year. On Valentine’s Day, doctors diagnosed him with melioidosis and placed him in a coma. Despite being flown to the Gold Coast for specialist treatment, he tragically passed away on March 3.
Now, as the first anniversary of his death approaches, his wife Sarah Brown and their children are reliving the trauma, particularly as Cairns sees an alarming rise in cases.
“It’s Scary for the Community”
Ms. Brown described the emotional toll of hearing about the outbreak, knowing firsthand the devastating impact the disease can have.
“It’s a really emotional time for me to hear that, because knowing what we went through as a family… it makes me scared for the general public,” she said.
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Health officials have reported 41 cases of melioidosis in Cairns since January—far above the yearly average of nine. Tropical Public Health Services director Dr. Jacqui Murdoch called the surge “unprecedented” and stressed the need for awareness and prevention.
Understanding Melioidosis: A Hidden Danger After Floods
Melioidosis is caused by the Burkholderia pseudomallei bacterium, commonly found in soil and water in northern Australia, especially after heavy rainfall and flooding. The disease is primarily a risk for people with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and kidney or lung disease.
Symptoms of melioidosis include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Cough
- Skin infections or abscesses
Because these symptoms can mimic the flu, early detection is crucial for survival.
Mr. Brown, who had diabetes, is believed to have contracted the disease while helping with flood clean-up efforts in December 2023.
Health Authorities Investigate Outbreak
The outbreak has been concentrated in Cairns’ southern suburbs, prompting health officials to investigate potential causes. Dr. Murdoch revealed that most recent cases appear to have been infected by inhaling the bacteria, particularly when using high-pressure hoses.
“So we really encourage people to wear an N95 mask to protect themselves,” she advised.
The bacteria can also enter the body through cuts or abrasions, making direct contact with contaminated soil or water another major risk.
How to Stay Safe
Health officials have issued several recommendations to reduce the risk of infection, particularly for those with underlying health conditions:
✔️ Wear a mask if using a high-pressure hose
✔️ Always wear shoes and gloves when gardening
✔️ If you have pre-existing conditions, avoid high-pressure water activities
✔️ Seek urgent medical attention if experiencing symptoms
A Legacy of Awareness
Ms. Brown hopes her husband’s story will serve as a warning to others. She believes more awareness about melioidosis risks—particularly after floods—could have saved his life.
“That’s what I would have liked to have known—that if he was high risk, he shouldn’t have been in those areas,” she said.
With fatality rates now at 10% and a vaccine in development, progress is being made in fighting the disease. But until then, Ms. Brown urges the community to stay vigilant.
“My biggest message to people is just take precautions—make sure things are covered, wear a face mask, and wait until it’s dry,” she said.
“There’s no harm in checking for it when it could save a life.”
