A potentially deadly bacteria was found for the first time in water and soil samples in the United States, prompting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to alert doctors and public health experts across the U.S. states to take it into serious consideration.

Initially, this fatal bacteria, Burkholderia pseudomallei, was only found in regions with tropical and subtropical climates around the world, like the Asian and Australian regions, but has now also been detected along the Gulf Coast region of Southern Mississippi. This was the first time Burkholderia pseudomallei was detected in the continental United States.

 

It is unknown how long Burkholderia pseudomallei has survived in the environment or where else it may be found in the United States; however, modeling indicates that the environmental conditions present in the Gulf Coast States are favorable to its growth. This can lead to major bacterial infections from water.

 

What is this bacteria and what can this lead to?

The bacteria, Burkholderia pseudomallei, found in Southern Mississippi's Gulf Coast can lead to a very rare and serious condition called Melioidosis. This condition could occur even through a small exposure to the bacterium.

 

The bacteria that cause melioidosis usually enter the body through inhalation of soil dust or water droplets, contact with contaminated soil through breaks in the skin, or ingestion of contaminated water. It is quite uncommon for someone to get infected by another individual. Although a few cases have been reported, the most primitive way that individuals get infected is through contaminated soil and surface water.

 

Signs and Symptoms of Melioidosis

Melioidosis, also named Whitmore’s disease, is an infectious disease that can infect human or animal bodies through the bacteria, Burkholderia pseudomallei, found in contaminated soil and water. It spreads to humans and animals through direct contact with the contaminated source. According to the C.D.C, Melioidosis symptoms are non-specific and differ from person to person, although they can include fever, headaches, localized discomfort or swelling, chest pain, and chest edema. The bacteria are more likely to infect those who have diabetes, consume excessive alcohol, chronic lung disease, chronic kidney disease, and immunosuppressive conditions.

This has a wide range of signs and symptoms and it can be mistaken for other diseases, such as tuberculosis or more common forms of pneumonia. Melioidosis can also increase the risk of underlying medical conditions. 

Preventive Measures for Melioidosis

In areas where the disease is widespread, contact with contaminated soil or water can put people at risk for melioidosis. Therefore, it is important to understand the risk and act accordingly to prevent the threat of risking one’s health. Melioidosis can be treated with antibiotics. Long-term treatment may be necessary for some chronic infection cases. The mortality rate ranges from around 40-75%. Therefore, the major priority should be given to preventive actions.

 

Some of the common but most important preventive actions include;

  • Staying away from polluted soil.
  • When engaging in activities where possible contact with soil or water may occur, using the proper protective clothing or footwear, such as gloves and boots.
  • After touching contaminated water or soil, washing your hands or taking a shower.
  • Always apply waterproof dressings to cuts and grazes, and clean any wounds as soon as possible.
  • After handling soil or gardening materials, wash your hands with water and liquid soap.
  • Eat hygienically, and avoid drinking raw water.
  • Using a tested filter for purifying your drinking water.

How to prevent this bacterial infection from water during daily water consumption?

Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of Melioidosis, is a potentially deadly environmental bacterium that runs a high risk of affecting the human body through water due to the frequency in consumption. that infects humans via direct contact with contaminated soil or water. Other than direct contact with water and soil, ingestion of contaminated water is a severe situation. 

 

With the necessary personal protective items like gloves, boots and sanitation, individuals can avoid contaminants in soil particles. However, when drinking water, one should pay closer attention to the purity of the water used for drinking. These bacteria cannot be seen through our naked eyes. If your water system is contaminated and you cannot know it without conducting standard laboratory testing, then you may not know how and what kind of contamination exists. 

 

Under such conditions, the safest method is to use a filtration system for your drinking water that is tested, trusted and reliable for your and your family’s water consumption needs. If your water is contaminated and that water is subjected to purification or filtration, you can make sure you are one step ahead for your safety.

How can ETA help you to fight Melioidosis?

ETA was created as a breakthrough since there wasn't a water purifier that could be relied upon to produce Extreme Filtration, especially in a crisis or emergency. The newest Ionic Adsorption Micro Filtration (IAMF) Technology is incorporated in the "ETA Alkaline Water Filter Bottle," which initiates the filtration procedure with the simple but unique sip and squeeze mechanism.

 

ETA's Extreme Filtration capacity allows for the elimination of all four types of water contamination, including chemical, dissolved slide, aesthetic, and radioactive materials, and as a result, alkaline water with a pH of 9.5 that lasts up to 30 days is produced instantly.

With ETA’s special ability in Extreme Filtration, one of the most concerning and required elements when fighting against bacterial infections from water, which is contamination free water, is sure to be eased. With this portable water filter bottle, staying hydrated while also making sure the water you’re consuming despite being in a suspected contamination area, becomes way easier since this can filter out any contaminated agents in water and turn it into pure and safe to consume water. 

 

This type of bacteria is a red flag situation for your health, your family’s health and everyone you know. Therefore it is important to be careful, and take necessary precautions before being subjected to a contaminator. Due to its ingestion, usually from water, you could be inviting easily avoidable diseases. Keeping your ETA Alkaline Water Filter Bottle handy and consuming water only from it irrespective of the source is an easy way to be secure about your hydration.

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