Four people have died from a disease linked with heavy rain in a flood-soaked region told to brace for more wet weather.
More than 40 cases of melioidosis have been recorded in Queensland's far north since January 1, with the death toll doubling in a week.
The disease is associated with the wet season and is spread through contact with contaminated water, soil and air, causing death in up to 20 per cent of treated cases.
Cases in the Cairns region are believed to have doubled compared to 2024 after heavy rain lashed the north for weeks with more showers on the horizon.
"Our thoughts and sympathies are with the families of those individuals," a Queensland Health spokesperson said.
"We are still investigating the cause of the increase of local cases."
North Queensland is reeling from record rainfall that triggered flooding, claiming two lives and forcing hundreds to evacuate their homes.
More rain has been forecast on Thursday with showers expected for most of central and eastern Queensland.
A warning was issued last week when the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service revealed there had been 30 melioidosis cases including two deaths to date this year.
Tropical Public Health Services director Jacqui Murdoch said it was "higher than average".
"There has been a relatively late start to the monsoonal season for us here in Cairns, so people need to be aware that seasonal diseases such as melioidosis are likely to continue to be a danger for a longer period," she said.
"Early recognition and treatment are vital."
In the week since, there have been 11 more cases including another two deaths.
Melioidosis can occur when cuts or wounds come in contact with contaminated mud or water, with symptoms including fever, cough and difficult breathing.
Skin infections or abscesses can be another sign.
February 2025 is officially the wettest month in history for some north Queensland towns with Paluma near Townsville recording more than two metres of rain - double what Sydney receives in a year.
A string of flood warnings remain including near Longreach out in the west, with a tropical low set to form in the Coral Sea off Queensland's coast.
It is a "moderate" chance of becoming a cyclone early next week but is not expected to impact the coast.
Queensland's flood damage bill has not been confirmed as financial relief packages are finalised.
In Western Australia, floodwaters remain days after Cyclone Zelia crossed the coast near Port Hedland.
Locals at the Pilbara's inundated De Grey River catchment have been asked to "prepare for isolation", with a flood warning for the Sandy Desert.
Yarrie Station in East Pilbara recorded flood levels that equalled a record set in 1941.
"It's the biggest I have ever seen," cattle station owner Annabelle Coppin told AAP.
