Russia Reports Imported Case of Melioidosis in Tourist Returning from Thailand

Russian health authorities have confirmed an imported case of melioidosis, a dangerous tropical infectious disease, in a female tourist who recently returned from Thailand. The patient, who visited various tourist sites including an elephant farm, has been hospitalized in serious condition. This marks the third recorded imported case of melioidosis in Russia from Thailand, following previous cases in 2017 and 2024.

Melioidosis is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, which is found in soil and water in endemic regions. People can contract the disease through direct contact with contaminated soil, especially after heavy rains or hurricanes when bacteria rise to the surface. Infection can also occur through inhalation, consumption of contaminated food or water, or contact with infected animals. Early symptoms include high fever, muscle pain, chest pain, cough with purulent sputum or blood, diarrhea, and abscesses.

The disease can affect multiple organ systems and poses a higher risk for individuals over 45, as well as those with underlying conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, liver or kidney disease. The incubation period typically ranges from 1 to 21 days, averaging nine days, but can extend to several years.

Russia's consumer health watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, has issued a reminder for travelers to endemic regions—including Southeast Asia, Africa, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Oceania—to take preventive measures. These include avoiding contact with soil, wearing closed shoes, using mats or loungers, covering cuts, avoiding swimming in freshwater bodies, and steering clear of flood-prone areas. Travelers should also avoid contact with animals, consume only safe food and water, and practice good hygiene.

Rospotrebnadzor noted that it has developed a highly sensitive test system for diagnosing melioidosis and continues to operate the 'Perimeter' system at border checkpoints to monitor epidemic risks in real time. Travelers returning from endemic countries are urged to seek medical attention immediately if symptoms develop, and to inform their doctor of their travel history.