Russian tourist diagnosed with melioidosis after returning from Thailand

A Russian tourist has been diagnosed with melioidosis, a dangerous tropical infectious disease, after returning from Thailand, where she visited an elephant farm. The woman is currently hospitalized in serious condition, according to Russia’s Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing (Rospotrebnadzor).

The infection is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, which naturally occurs in the root layer of soil in tropical regions. Transmission typically occurs through direct skin contact with contaminated soil, but can also happen by inhaling the bacteria or consuming contaminated food or water. Health officials noted that the risk of exposure increases following hurricanes or heavy rains.

Melioidosis can affect multiple organ systems, with symptoms including high fever, muscle and chest pain, cough with purulent sputum, diarrhea, and abscesses in various parts of the body. The incubation period ranges from one to 21 days, averaging nine days, but can last up to several years. People over 45 years old and those with underlying conditions such as diabetes or chronic lung, liver, or kidney disease are at higher risk.

Rospotrebnadzor emphasized the importance of preventive measures when traveling to endemic regions, such as avoiding barefoot walking, wearing closed shoes, not swimming in freshwater bodies, and avoiding areas prone to flooding. The agency reported that this is the third imported case of melioidosis from Thailand in Russia, with previous cases recorded in 2017 and 2024. A highly sensitive test system for detecting the disease has been developed and is in use.