Melioidosis is an often fatal infectious disease caused by the environmental bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. The organism is present in soil and water in the endemic areas, and infection is acquired through skin inoculation or contamination of wounds, ingestion and inhalation. This tropical infection can be rapidly fatal, and requires prompt diagnosis and antibiotic treatment.
If you have travelled to any tropical countries and you have NOT been warned about this disease... then you should read on.