Melioidosis is a serious bacterial infection caused by *Burkholderia pseudomallei*, found in contaminated soil and water. It primarily affects people and animals in tropical and subtropical regions, notably Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. The disease can manifest in various forms, from localized skin infections to severe pneumonia, blood poisoning, or chronic abscesses.
2 active Melioidosis reports in Alaska — and this is changing daily.
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Melioidosis was first identified in 1912 by Alfred Whitmore and C.S. Krishnaswami in Rangoon, Burma (now Yangon, Myanmar). It gained historical significance during the Vietnam War, where it was nicknamed the 'Vietnamese time bomb' due to its ability to remain dormant for years before causing illness. Recognition of its widespread endemicity and diverse clinical manifestations has grown substantially over time.
Melioidosis is primarily transmitted through direct contact with contaminated soil and water, typically via inoculation through skin cuts or abrasions. Inhalation of contaminated dust or water droplets, and ingestion of contaminated water, are also possible routes of infection. Person-to-person transmission is extremely rare.
Contagious Period: Varies by disease
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Whether you live in Alaska or are traveling there, knowing the symptoms, timeline, and when to seek care helps you act quickly if exposure occurs.
Seek care if you experience severe dehydration, bloody stools, high fever, or symptoms lasting more than 3 days. Children under 5, adults over 65, and immunocompromised individuals should seek care earlier.
Emergency symptoms: Severe dehydration, inability to keep fluids down for 12 or more hours, or neurological symptoms require emergency care.
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Trusted information from leading health organizations
Global disease surveillance and guidelines from the World Health Organization
View WHO Resources →Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-18
No confirmed cases reported in Alaska yet. Here are the latest Melioidosis reports from our global surveillance network.
This event envelope contains reports on melioidosis in Thailand. *Source: BEACON* - [View Full Report](https://beaconbio.org/en/event/?eventid=359ed464-cf47-46de-963f-640bf5d9d438)
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