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.
Track Melioidosis activity in Oklahoma in real time.
Get push notifications the moment outbreak conditions change in your area.
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
Local health department information and state-specific prevention guidance
Our AI-powered surveillance continuously monitors Melioidosis activity across Oklahoma. We track data from state health departments, local hospitals, CDC reports, and 50+ global health sources to provide early warning of emerging threats.
Get instant push notifications when Melioidosis activity increases in Oklahoma or your specific county.
For official state health alerts, vaccination locations, and public health guidance specific to Oklahoma, visit your state health department's website.
Whether you live in Oklahoma 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.
Get Melioidosis alerts for Oklahoma.
Know the moment activity changes. Weekly digest included.
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: 2026-09-01
Receive instant push notifications when Melioidosis activity increases in Oklahoma or your travel destinations. Track 200+ diseases with location-based alerts. Used by healthcare systems, EMS, schools, and travelers worldwide.
Open Web App Enterprise Solutions