Evan Brown: Father-of-two dies three weeks after contracting tropical disease during damaging Queensland floods
A father-of-two has sadly died just weeks after contracting a tropical bacterial disease during the devastating Queensland floods.
Evan Brown, 40, from Cairns, was rushed to Gold Coast University Hospital after falling ill at work on February 13, suffering multiple organ failure and blood poisoning.
The sales assistant was later diagnosed with melioidosis, a bacterial infection found in contaminated groundwater and soil.
The father of two fought for three weeks but lost his battle surrounded by loved ones on Monday.
“Today (March 4), surrounded by his family, Evan took his last breath, freeing himself from the pain he has endured for the past three weeks and is now at peace,” his sister-in-law Harley Brown wrote on the website family Gofundme page.
Evan Brown was rushed to hospital just five days after his 40th birthday. He was later diagnosed with the deadly tropical bacterial infection melioidosis
‘Unfortunately, Evan’s body did not respond to the specific medication used to treat melioidosis and despite his best efforts he was unable to fight the infection.
“We ask that you keep Sarah, the children and Ev’s extended family in your thoughts and give them some time and space to come to terms with their new reality of life without him.”
Melioidosis, also known as Whitmore disease, can affect both humans and animals, and is more common after floods, when cases usually increase.
Far North Queensland has been hit by several cyclones and floods in recent months.
Mr Brown’s death is the second this year in the region directly linked to melioidosis, with a man also dying from the disease in January.
At least two patients died of melioidosis after the 2019 Townsville floods.
In 2023, seven children were diagnosed with the infection after an outbreak at a private school in Cairns.
A spokeswoman for the Cairns Hinterland Hospital and Health Service said Cairns Post there have been a higher than average number of cases – 25 – in the region this year.
Tropical Public Health Services Cairns director Dr Richard Gair said people contract the disease when skin abrasions or wounds come into contact with contaminated wet soil or water containing the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei.
“Melioidosis is very rare in healthy adults and is rarely seen in children, but can occasionally occur in people with diabetes, kidney problems, lung problems and people taking medications that lower their immune system,” he said.
Mr Brown’s family have warned others to seek medical attention if they have persistent flu-like symptoms, as the infection can be fatal
‘Symptoms of acute melioidosis may include fever, coughing and difficulty breathing; the effects can be very serious and often require hospitalization for antibiotic treatment.
‘Sometimes the disease manifests as superficial skin infections or abscesses in different parts of the body.’
The father’s family has urged people with symptoms, which could resemble flu, to seek medical attention.
‘Don’t forget to ask for a second opinion if you are ill for a longer period of time. We hope that our family’s pain can help your family avoid this while keeping Evan’s memory alive,” his sister-in-law wrote.
a GoFundMe page has been set up to help Mr Brown’s wife Sarah and their two children, Connor, 11, and Mia, 8.