Andhra declares health emergency after two confirmed melioidosis cases

Sumit Jha

Sep 08, 2025

Health

Health

Andhra Pradesh declared a health emergency in Guntur district’s Turakapalem village after two cases of melioidosis, a potentially fatal bacterial infection, were confirmed.

Health

Extensive testing of blood samples from 75 residents was carried out between September 2 and 7 following a cluster of 23 unexplained deaths over the previous two months.

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Melioidosis is a potentially fatal infectious disease caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, commonly found in contaminated soil and water.

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The bacterium typically enters the human body through skin wounds, inhalation of contaminated dust or water droplets, or ingestion of contaminated water.

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People with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing severe forms of the disease.

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Symptoms of melioidosis vary widely and may appear anytime from one day to several years after exposure. 

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Early symptoms often resemble pneumonia or tuberculosis and include fever, cough, chest pain and difficulty breathing.