We studied 20 confirmed or suspected cases of melioidosis in children in Ceará, Brazil, during 1989-2019. We observed a high death rate, severe signs and symptoms, and substantial environmental exposure. These data suggest that childhood melioidosis might be more severe in Brazil than in other regions.
Keywords: Brazil; Burkholderia pseudomallei; bacteria; children; melioidosis; pneumonia; sepsis; septic shock.