American Centers for Disease Control Announce Discovery of Deadly Bacteria in the Country

The American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has announced the discovery of a type of deadly bacteria, previously found only in South Asia, Africa, and Australia, in samples of American soil and water. The center explained that this bacteria, Burkholderia pseudomallei, can cause a disease known as melioidosis, which has proven fatal in half of cases worldwide. It noted that this bacteria was previously only found in parts of South Asia, Africa, or Australia, and it remains unclear how long the bacteria have been present in the environment or where they can be found in the United States. The report indicates that about 12 cases are discovered each year in the United States, usually among individuals who have traveled abroad. The bacteria have been found in soil and water samples along the Gulf Coast in Mississippi, prompting a health alert for doctors across the country to look for symptoms of melioidosis, which can be vague but include cough, fever, and chest pain. In more severe cases, the disease can lead to pulmonary illnesses and seizures.