Today’s front page article is as mysterious as it is fascinating.
It is important to note that the disease is rare, and only two cases have been found in the region. There is certainly no reason for alarm.
We have in our initial story respected health officials’ request not to reveal the exact location where the disease was found. They are rightly concerned that this could unnecessarily ostracise a suburb, or create fear where it’s not warranted.
GPs in the affected area have been notified, and if they see symptoms, they’ve been told about the right course of tests to detect the disease.
The point of the story is for people to be aware of Whitmore’s disease and the possibility that it could be prevalent in the area to the south of Logan.
There is also an element of intrigue. The germ is usually only found in tropical climates, prevalent and causing illness in more remote parts of Southeast Asia where treatment and perhaps detection are less likely.
So why is it here? And how did it get here?
Therein lies the mystery. Doctors have put forward a number of potential answers – that it was always here, just buried deep under the surface; that warmer conditions have provided better conditions for the germ to develop.
Perhaps it’s all got something to do with global warming. Who knows? Whatever the case, scientists will no doubt be doing their best to solve the mystery.
Cases emerged during recent heavy rain, so the bottom line is that if you live in an area with plenty of dirt, take precautions – cover sores, wear shoes and gloves, remain clean and don’t drink groundwater.
We’ll report more as it comes to light.
