SYDNEY, May 15 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from an outbreak of a tropical disease linked to heavy rainfall and flooding in northern Australia has increased to 31.

According to the latest data from the health department in Queensland reported by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Wednesday, 31 people have died from melioidosis in the state in 2025.

It said that one person, from the coastal city of Townsville in tropical northern Queensland, died from melioidosis in the past week.

In the same period, there were four new reported cases; one in Townsville and three in the city of Cairns, further north. It takes the total number of reported cases in Queensland in 2025 to 221, an increase of 163 compared to the same point in 2024.

Melioidosis is a rare tropical disease that is spread through contact with bacteria found in soil and groundwater in northern Australia and Southeast Asia. After heavy rainfall, the bacteria can become airborne.

Townsville, Cairns and surrounding areas received record-breaking rainfall in February that caused widespread devastating flooding.

Steven Donohue, director of the Townsville Public Health Unit, told the ABC that cases have slowed down significantly since the weather dried up and authorities believe the outbreak is "probably over."

"It is a pretty nasty disease, particularly when it happens to the sick and elderly. Deaths are not uncommon," he said.

Queensland Health previously advised people to be alert for symptoms, including a cough, fever and difficulty breathing, and to wear protective footwear, gloves and a mask when coming into contact with muddy water or soil and when using a hose or high-pressure cleaner. ■