A Townsville resident has died of melioidosis caused by bacteria from floodwater during the clean-up and recovery process.
There have been 10 other non-fatal cases of the infectious disease, and Townsville Public Health Unit Doctor Julie Mudd said this number is expected to increase.
Doctor Mudd said the community needs to check on the elderly, sick and disabled, and always wear gloves and shoes in the clean up, to prevent infection.