Deadly bacteria warning after NT cyclone

Northern Territory residents cleaning up after Cyclone Marcus, which ripped through the Top End on Saturday, are being warned to protect themselves from a life-threatening disease.

Melioidosis, a bacteria that lives below the soil's surface during the dry season, can become airborne after heavy rain, and is a common cause of serious pneumonia and blood poisoning, The Northern Territory Centre for Disease Control spokesman Peter Markey says.

"Everyone should take extra care cleaning up after the cyclone ensuring they wear appropriate clothing, gloves, closed shoes, long pants and long sleeves," Dr Markey said on Monday.

Three people have already died this year from melioidosis during the NT wet season.

"Healthy people can get the disease if they are working in muddy soil without good hand and foot protection," Dr Markey said.

Symptoms of the disease include fever, headaches and sores or wounds that will not heal.