Paediatric melioidosis

Melioidosis has similar clinical manifestations in children but comorbidities are less commonthan in adults. A significant risk factor for disease is near drowning, which may be associated with a very short incubation period and development of septicaemia. In Thailand, parotid disease is a common presentation, and often requires surgical drainage. Lymphadenitis and skin infection are also common presentations which may be unrecognised. An encephalomyelitis syndrome is a rare but distinct presentation described in Australia. Relapse appears to be less common than inadults.