The Queensland melioidosis death toll has climbed to 26 after another person died from the soil-borne bacteria. Queensland's Health Department says 10 new cases have been recorded in the last seven days.
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00:01The Townsville Hospital and Health Service patient is the 26th person to die with melioidosis in Queensland this year.
00:12The tropical disease is caused by a bacteria found in water or soil.
00:17Cases often surge during the wet season after heavy rain or flooding.
00:23Queensland recorded 10 new cases in the last 7 days.
00:28The fatality in Townsville was one of four new local cases.
00:33In the Cairns Health Service region, four cases were also recorded.
00:37One case was detected in the Mackay Health Service area and another in Queensland's northwest.
00:44Townsville recorded its wettest year on record on Saturday,
00:49with more than 2,419 millimetres falling on the city already this year.
00:56With that much rain, experts say more cases are likely and can persist for weeks after the heavy rain has surpassed.
01:05The bacteria can enter the body through skin cuts and sores as well as inhalation or by drinking contaminated water.
01:13There is no vaccine to prevent melioidosis, but avoiding contact with soil and muddy water is encouraged.
01:22There are no •