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Whitmore (melioidosis) is an infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, which occurs naturally in soil, mud, and contaminated surface water. People can contract the disease through contact with soil, mud, or water containing the bacteria via cuts or open wounds on the skin; by inhaling contaminated dust or droplets; or by using water or food that is contaminated. Whitmore presents with a diverse range of clinical symptoms and can be easily mistaken for other diseases, complicating early diagnosis. The disease can progress to severe illness with manifestations such as pneumonia, abscesses in multiple organs, septicemia, septic shock, and carries a risk of death if not detected and treated promptly. People with underlying conditions such as diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, chronic lung disease, immunodeficiency, and those who frequently contact soil, mud, and dirty water are at higher risk. Whitmore is a relatively rare disease, primarily related to environmental exposure rather than being commonly transmitted from person to person. It is most frequently reported in Southeast Asia and northern Australia. In Vietnam, several cases are still reported annually, typically rising after heavy rains, floods, and storms. To proactively prevent Whitmore, the National Disease Prevention Department of the Ministry of Health advises the public to limit direct contact with soil, mud, and contaminated water, especially in polluted or flood-affected areas after heavy rain. Use appropriate protective gear such as shoes, boots, and gloves when working, farming, gardening, cleaning the environment, collecting waste, mud after floods, or when you regularly come into contact with soil, mud, or dirty water. In addition, keep wounds clean and covered, avoid exposing wounds to soil, mud, or dirty water. If contact is unavoidable, bandage the area thoroughly with waterproof materials and clean promptly afterward. Citizens are advised not to walk barefoot in damp soil, mud, or flood-prone areas; limit bathing, swimming, or wading in ponds, lakes, rivers, canals, or stagnant water that may be contaminated, especially with open wounds. Personal hygiene should be maintained; wash hands with soap and clean water after work, after contact with soil, mud, or dirty water, and before meals. Use clean water for daily activities and meals; ensure food safety and do not use water or foods suspected of contamination. For people with underlying conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, chronic lung disease, liver disease, or immunodeficiency, special care should be taken to follow the preventive measures above and to protect wounds to reduce the risk of infection. After contact with soil, mud, or dirty water—especially after rainfall or flooding—seek medical attention promptly if fever, cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, abscesses, or prolonged infection symptoms appear. The National Disease Prevention Department, Ministry of Health, advises the public not to panic, but to actively carry out preventive measures to protect health for themselves, their families, and the community.
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