The Hong Kong Zoo reported the death of a 12th monkey on Thursday (Oct 24) amid a bacterial outbreak probably caused by infected soil that has already killed 11 other primates including some critically endangered species.

The melioidosis infection deaths happened within a short span of 10 days at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, the city's oldest park sprawled over 14 acres.&nbsp;

Watch: Bacterial infection causing sudden deaths: Here's what you should know | Gravitas

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The latest casualty was a De Brazza's monkey that had been in quarantine since October 13 when the first deaths were reported. It had signs of sepsis and lesions similar to the others that died.

The autopsies of the other monkeys had revealed the bacteria's presence. Some of the dead included critically endangered species such as cotton-top tamarins and white-faced sakis.

Zoo workers may have carried the bacteria in their shoes and accidentally contaminated the soil near the enclosures, according to the Hong Kong tourism secretary who spoke with the RTHK channel.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/absolutely-wild-your-toothbrushes-and-shower-heads-are-teeming-with-viruses-and-bacteria-study-finds-767284">Also read: ‘Absolutely Wild’: Your toothbrushes and shower heads are teeming with viruses and bacteria, study finds</a>

The sudden spike in monkey deaths is concerning, veterinary epidemiologist Dirk Pfeiffer was quoted by BBC as saying.

The zoo has closed its mammals section since October 14 and started cleaning and disinfection.

The other 78 animals in the section are reported to be healthy.

The melioidosis outbreak in Hong Kong was first reported in the 1970s, leading to the deaths of 24 dolphins at Ocean Park.

<h2>What is Melioidosis?</h2>

Melioidosis is an infection caused by the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei or B pseudomallei.&nbsp;

It mostly affects animals and in rare cases, humans could be affected too. Human-to-human infection is also low.

The infection usually spreads via soil, air or water through inhalation, or physical contact through cuts in skin.

Infections usually spike in areas hit by weather events like hurricanes and heavy rains when the bacteria rise to the soil surface, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDS.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-flesh-eating-bacteria-kils-13-in-hurricane-hit-florida-cases-at-record-what-is-vibrio-vulnificus-769936">Also read: 'Flesh-eating' bacteria kills 13 in Hurricane-hit Florida, cases at record: What is vibrio vulnificus?</a> 
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The infection mainly affects animals like sheep, pigs, horses, cats, dogs and cows

The bacteria usually live in tropical climates in Southeast Asia and North Australia&nbsp;

<h2>Symptoms and treatment of Melioidosis&nbsp;</h2>

Symptoms appear between one to four weeks of exposure or could take months or years.

Melioidosis could affect the entire body or parts of it, like the liver, spleen, prostate, joints, bones, lymph nodes, skin, or brain.&nbsp;

These factors make diagnosis very difficult, often leading to misdiagnosis.

The most common symptom is lung infection, apart from ulcers, skin sores, fever, swelling and muscle aches.

Patients may also show up with a cough, chest pain, high fever, headache and lack of appetite.

Melioidosis can lead to a dangerous bloodstream infection or sepsis.

It is treated with antibiotics pills or injections.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Hong Kong Zoo reported the death of a 12th monkey on Thursday (Oct 24) amid a bacterial outbreak probably caused by infected soil that has already killed 11 other primates including some critically endangered species.

The Hong Kong Zoo reported the death of a 12th monkey on Thursday (Oct 24) amid a bacterial outbreak probably caused by infected soil that has already killed 11 other primates including some critically endangered species. The melioidosis infection deaths happened within a short span of 10 days at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, the city's oldest park sprawled over 14 acres. Watch: Bacterial infection causing sudden deaths: Here's what you should know | Gravitas × The latest casualty was a De Brazza's monkey that had been in quarantine since October 13 when the first deaths were reported. It had signs of sepsis and lesions similar to the others that died. The autopsies of the other monkeys had revealed the bacteria's presence. Some of the dead included critically endangered species such as cotton-top tamarins and white-faced sakis. Zoo workers may have carried the bacteria in their shoes and accidentally contaminated the soil near the enclosures, according to the Hong Kong tourism secretary who spoke with the RTHK channel. Also read: ‘Absolutely Wild’: Your toothbrushes and shower heads are teeming with viruses and bacteria, study finds The sudden spike in monkey deaths is concerning, veterinary epidemiologist Dirk Pfeiffer was quoted by BBC as saying. The zoo has closed its mammals section since October 14 and started cleaning and disinfection. The other 78 animals in the section are reported to be healthy. The melioidosis outbreak in Hong Kong was first reported in the 1970s, leading to the deaths of 24 dolphins at Ocean Park. What is Melioidosis? Melioidosis is an infection caused by the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei or B pseudomallei. It mostly affects animals and in rare cases, humans could be affected too. Human-to-human infection is also low. The infection usually spreads via soil, air or water through inhalation, or physical contact through cuts in skin. Infections usually spike in areas hit by weather events like hurricanes and heavy rains when the bacteria rise to the soil surface, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDS. Also read: 'Flesh-eating' bacteria kills 13 in Hurricane-hit Florida, cases at record: What is vibrio vulnificus? The infection mainly affects animals like sheep, pigs, horses, cats, dogs and cows The bacteria usually live in tropical climates in Southeast Asia and North Australia Symptoms and treatment of Melioidosis Symptoms appear between one to four weeks of exposure or could take months or years. Melioidosis could affect the entire body or parts of it, like the liver, spleen, prostate, joints, bones, lymph nodes, skin, or brain. These factors make diagnosis very difficult, often leading to misdiagnosis. The most common symptom is lung infection, apart from ulcers, skin sores, fever, swelling and muscle aches. Patients may also show up with a cough, chest pain, high fever, headache and lack of appetite. Melioidosis can lead to a dangerous bloodstream infection or sepsis. It is treated with antibiotics pills or injections. (With inputs from agencies)

12 monkeys die in Hong Kong zoo amid bacterial infection: What's sepsis-causing melioidosis?

After finding the bacteria behind a rare but serious disease for the first time in the continental United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Wednesday issued a health advisory to clinicians.

During an investigation of two human melioidosis cases, B. pseudomallei or Burkholderia pseudomallei was detected in puddle water and soil samples in southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast region.

The household products and the environment around the homes of two people, who got sick due to the same bacteria as they lived in close geographic proximity, were investigated.

As a result of the bacteria, they started experiencing nonspecific symptoms such as fever, headaches, and joint pain.

Mostly related to travel to tropical and subtropical regions, there are about 12 cases in the US per year on average.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-salmonellosis-the-bacterial-disease-affecting-europe-us-474514">Also read |&nbsp;What is Salmonellosis, the bacterial disease affecting Europe, US?</a>

Linking a cluster of four people across four states to an imported contaminated aromatherapy spray, Melioidosis caused blood infections, abscess formation, and pneumonia.

The global death rate for those who come into contact with the bacteria is 10-50 per cent although most healthy people do not develop melioidosis.

Advising people in southern Mississippi to take extra precautions, the CDC said underlying conditions include excessive alcohol use, chronic lung or kidney disease, and diabetes.

Highlighting that the risk of melioidosis for the general population continues to be very low, CDC added that precautions include wearing waterproof boots and gloves while gardening, protecting open wounds with dressing, and avoiding contact with soil and muddy water.

(With inputs from agencies)

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After finding the bacteria behind a rare but serious disease for the first time in the continental United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Wednesday issued a health advisory to clinicians.

After finding the bacteria behind a rare but serious disease for the first time in the continental United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Wednesday issued a health advisory to clinicians. During an investigation of two human melioidosis cases, B. pseudomallei or Burkholderia pseudomallei was detected in puddle water and soil samples in southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast region. The household products and the environment around the homes of two people, who got sick due to the same bacteria as they lived in close geographic proximity, were investigated. As a result of the bacteria, they started experiencing nonspecific symptoms such as fever, headaches, and joint pain. Mostly related to travel to tropical and subtropical regions, there are about 12 cases in the US per year on average. Also read | What is Salmonellosis, the bacterial disease affecting Europe, US? Linking a cluster of four people across four states to an imported contaminated aromatherapy spray, Melioidosis caused blood infections, abscess formation, and pneumonia. The global death rate for those who come into contact with the bacteria is 10-50 per cent although most healthy people do not develop melioidosis. Advising people in southern Mississippi to take extra precautions, the CDC said underlying conditions include excessive alcohol use, chronic lung or kidney disease, and diabetes. Highlighting that the risk of melioidosis for the general population continues to be very low, CDC added that precautions include wearing waterproof boots and gloves while gardening, protecting open wounds with dressing, and avoiding contact with soil and muddy water. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Bacteria behind rare disease found in United States for first time ever, CDC issues health advisory

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12 monkeys die in Hong Kong zoo amid bacterial infection: What's sepsis-causing melioidosis?

Bacteria behind rare disease found in United States for first time ever, CDC issues health advisory