Melioidosis victim's family urges Cairns residents to be vigilant amid outbreak

Cairns father of two Evan Brown had been suffering from what he thought was the flu when he was rushed to hospital with multiple organ failure and septicaemia just days after his 40th birthday last year. Painful memories As the first anniversary of Mr Brown's death approaches, his wife Sarah and their two children are reliving their trauma as Cairns records a spike in melioidosis cases. "It's a really emotional time for me to hear that, because knowing what we went through as a family and having so many other people who were impacted by our news, it makes me scared for the general populous because it's clearly in our area, the flooding is causing it to be present," Ms Brown said. The Cairns region has recorded four deaths and 41 cases since January, with Tropical Public Health Services director Jacqui Murdoch calling the spike "unprecedented". Melioidosis symptoms: Difficulty breathing Fever Cough Skin infections or abscesses How to protect yourself: Wear a mask if using a high-pressure hose Wear shoes and gloves when gardening If you have pre-existing health conditions, avoid high water pressure activities If you're displaying symptoms, seek urgent medical attention Source: Tropical Public Health Service Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service has not released the age, gender, location or details of how individuals have contracted the disease.