Nearly Fatal Gardening
WARNING — GRAPHIC IMAGES: Mark, a 59-year-old from suburban Darwin, almost lost his life after contracting a potentially fatal disease while gardening.
It was a rainy afternoon earlier this year when Mark spent several hours sprucing up his yard, laying turf and planting, all in hopes of making the property more appealing to buyers. Little did he know, this simple task would nearly cost him his life.
Tragically, that decision exposed him to melioidosis, a debilitating and potentially fatal illness caused by bacteria found in tropical dirt and water. Five people in the Northern Territory have succumbed to the disease in the past year alone, and experts warn that case numbers are expected to surge this summer.
Weeks after initiating his home renovation project in January – the peak of the wet season in the Northern Territory – Mark began to feel lethargic and developed a nagging cough. Believing it was simply a summer cold, he continued working as a truck driver and laboring in his backyard during his free time.
Mark was rushed to the Royal Darwin Hospital where his condition rapidly deteriorated.
“Within two hours I was placed in an induced coma, and as it transpired my left lung had collapsed, one of my kidneys and my liver had failed. I was like that for just a bit over three weeks,” he explained, adding that doctors immediately started pumping antibiotics into his system.
During that time, septicaemia set in, resulting in gangrene spreading across his feet and onto one of his hands.
Life-Saving Intervention
Professor in Medicine Bart Currie, a leading expert on melioidosis, was in charge of Mark’s care and informed his partner, Sue, that her beloved had become "the sickest man in the NT."
Miraculously, Mark pulled through after roughly eleven weeks in the hospital and subsequent rehabilitation. His journey, however, was far from over.
In June, he was forced to have a toe removed from each foot. A couple of weeks ago, the dad lost part of a finger on his left hand. Nearly a year after first inhaling the bacteria, Mark continues to undergo regular tests and remains unable to feel both of his feet from the ankle down.
"The period of time I was in the ICU three people died from it," he said. "It doesn’t discriminate.
"My immune system wasn’t bad at all… because I had probably had it for two to three weeks and let it sort of breed basically in my body, is how it ended up so bad,” Mark shared, highlighting the insidious nature of the infection.
Staying Safe in the Tropical North
While most residents in the Northern Territory are aware of melioidosis, Mark urges locals to remain vigilant.
"Just wear your gloves, don’t even go near the water in the wet season with any open wounds,” he urged, suggesting people avoid being outdoors during downpours.
He shared his story to bring awareness to the potential dangers lurking in the soil and to encourage people to take necessary precautions.
"People need to be aware that it’s there," he stated. "It doesn’t discriminate."
With no current way to eradicate melioidosis from the soil, a potential vaccine is still years away. For now, the best defense involves protective measures, including staying indoors during heavy rains and storms, wearing gloves and masks when handling soil, covering wounds, and using protected footwear for gardening or excavation.
Mark’s story serves as a sobering reminder of the invisible threats that can thrive in seemingly harmless environments.
Interview between Time.news Editor (TNE) and Professor Bart Currie (BC)
TNE: Thank you for joining us today, Professor Currie. We’ve just shared the harrowing story of Mark, a suburban Darwin resident who faced near-fatal consequences from a routine gardening task. Can you tell us a bit about melioidosis and why it’s becoming an increasing concern in tropical regions like the Northern Territory?
BC: Thank you for having me. Melioidosis is indeed a critical health issue in tropical areas. It’s caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, a bacterium found in soil and muddy water. During wet seasons, like the one we experienced recently, the risk of exposure increases significantly due to flooding and heavy rain, which can cause the bacteria to spread more widely. What happened to Mark is unfortunately not isolated, and we anticipate more cases as environments change with weather patterns.
TNE: That’s alarming. Mark’s case illustrates a common misconception that only exotic activities could lead to such outcomes. What preventive measures can gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts take to protect themselves?
BC: Absolutely, and that’s a critical point. Not only professionals in high-risk occupations should be aware. I recommend that anyone working in their gardens wear suitable protective gear – gloves and masks can help immensely. It’s also advisable not to work in the garden after heavy rainfall and to be cautious when handling wet soil or exposed areas of land, which might harbor the bacteria.
TNE: Mark’s journey from gardening to being in an induced coma sounds like an incredible and frightening transformation. What were some of the challenges you and your team faced when treating him?
BC: Mark’s case was indeed one of the most challenging we’ve encountered. Initially, when he presented with pneumonia-like symptoms, we didn’t immediately suspect melioidosis, which complicated matters. As his condition rapidly worsened, we had to act quickly—administering high doses of antibiotics and intensive supportive care. His healthcare path involved managing sepsis and ensuring we addressed multiple organ failures. It’s a stark reminder of how quickly health can decline when dealing with such infections.
TNE: It’s hard to imagine that something as common as gardening could lead to such a serious illness. Can you explain the current context of melioidosis cases in the Northern Territory?
BC: Certainly. In the past year, we’ve noted five fatalities linked to melioidosis in the Northern Territory. This illustrates the disease’s severity, especially in regions prone to flooding. As we approach the wet season, we’re preparing for an increase in cases. Our public health messaging educational campaigns are crucial right now—we need to ensure people are informed about the risks associated with melioidosis and the importance of early medical intervention.
TNE: Given this context, what is the current state of research concerning melioidosis? Are there any promising developments on the horizon?
BC: Research is ongoing, and we’re exploring better treatment options, vaccines, and understanding the ecology of Burkholderia pseudomallei. Collaborative efforts between researchers, healthcare providers, and communities are critical. Improving early detection methods and raising awareness continually hold the potential to save lives and prevent severe outcomes like what Mark experienced.
TNE: Thank you for your valuable insights, Professor Currie. It’s a stark reminder of the hidden dangers that lurk even in our most ordinary activities. We hope that Mark’s story encourages everyone to take precautions while gardening, especially in regions susceptible to serious diseases.
BC: Thank you for bringing this important topic to the forefront. Awareness is the first step toward prevention.