Death toll in Australia’s Queensland state from soil-borne disease rises to 31

The latest death was reported in Townsville during the past week, according to ABC News.

Queensland’s Health Department received 221 melioidosis notifications this year, which experts described as a significant outbreak in the state.

Most cases were reported from Cairns and Townsville, including a cluster in Townsville's northern suburbs

Townsville Public Health Unit director Steven Donohue said that heavy drinkers, the elderly and those with chronic health conditions are the most at risk.

Melioidosis is a rare disease caused by bacteria found in soil and water in northern Australia and Southeast Asia.

The bacteria enters the body through cuts or inhalation, so cases soared after record-breaking flooding this year.