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Sadly, a father-of-two died just weeks after contracting a tropical bacterial disease during the devastating Queensland floods.
Evan Brown, 40, from Cairns, was rushed to Gold Coast University Hospital after falling ill at work on February 13, suffering from multiple organ failure and septicemia.
The clerk was later diagnosed with melioidosis, a bacterial infection found in contaminated groundwater and soil.
The father of two fought for three weeks and lost the battle surrounded by his loved ones on Monday.
“Today (March 4), surrounded by his family, Evan took his last breath, releasing himself from the pain he had endured for the past three weeks and is now at peace,” his sister-in-law Harley Brown posted on the family gofundme page.
Evan Brown was rushed to the hospital just five days after his 40th birthday. He was later diagnosed with the deadly tropical bacterial infection, melioidosis.
‘Unfortunately, Evan’s body did not respond to the specific medication used to treat melioidosis and, despite his best efforts, he was unable to fight off the infection.
“We ask that you keep Sarah, the children and Ev’s extended family in your thoughts and give them some time and space to come to terms with their new reality of a life without him.”
Melioidosis, also known as Whitmore disease, can affect both humans and animals, and is most common after floods, when cases typically increase.
Far north Queensland has been hit by multiple cyclones and flooding in recent months.
Brown’s death is the second this year in the region directly related to melioidosis, and a man also died from the disease in January.
At least two patients died from melioidosis after the Townsville floods in 2019.
In 2023, seven children were diagnosed with the infection following an outbreak at a private school in Cairns.
A Cairns Hinterland Hospital and Health Service spokeswoman said Cairns Mail This year there have been a higher than average number of cases (25) in the region.
Cairns Tropical Public Health Services director Dr Richard Gair said people contract the disease when skin abrasions or wounds come into contact with wet soil or contaminated water containing the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei.
“Melioidosis is very rare in healthy adults and is rarely seen in children, but it can occasionally occur in people with diabetes, kidney problems, lung problems, and people who take medications that weaken their immune system,” he said.
Brown’s family has warned others to seek medical help if they have persistent flu-like symptoms, as the infection can be fatal.
‘Symptoms of acute melioidosis may include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing; The effects can be very serious, often requiring hospitalization for antibiotic treatment.
“Sometimes the disease presents as superficial skin infections or abscesses in various parts of the body.”
The father’s family has urged people with symptoms, which may be flu-like, to seek medical attention.
“Remember to get a second opinion if you are unwell for long periods of time. We hope our family’s grief can help your family avoid experiencing it and keep Evan’s memory alive in the process,” his sister-in-law wrote.
TO GoFundMe page was set up to help Mr Brown’s wife, Sarah, and their two children, Connor, 11, and Mia, 8.