Bacteria bug in Singapore

A SOIL-BORNE bacterial disease in Singapore has killed 15 people in the city-state since the beginning of the year.

A total of 31 people have contracted melioidosis, which is caused by bacteria found in soil that rises to the surface and mixes with water during heavy rainfall, the Health Ministry said. The tropical disease can be contracted by inhalation, contact with contaminated soil, or drinking contaminated water. Melioidosis can cause severe pneumonia, high fever, a cough, anorexia, muscle soreness, chest pain and headaches.