The culprit, the Buruli ulcer is being reported in a few areas of Victoria and there have been a few new cases being identified within Pascoe Vale South and Strathmore in the north of the city.
The issue is that even if you’re infected the symptoms may take several up to a few months before they appear and appear normal initially.
It’s a common problem. Buruli wound isn’t something new The Buruli ulcer is not new, but. Let’s start from the top.
What is an Buruli ulcer?
Buruli (also also known as Bairnsdale) it is an inflammatory skin condition caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, a bacterium. The toxins produced by the bacteria damage skin cells, blood vessels, and the fat beneath the skin, leading to skin ulceration and skin loss.
Where does this bacteria come from?
These bacteria can be found naturally in the world – According to Better Health Vic, they’ve been discovered in the flora of mosquitoes, plants and even poofs of possums. Vic Health says native Australian Possums could be the affected by Buruli ulcers, too.
How can humans get an ulcer that feeds on flesh?
We’re not certain. There’s increasing evidence that blames mosquitoes. It’s believed that it’s not passed from person to person therefore smooching your friend should not be a way to spread the infection.
The amount of cases that are filed in Victoria is different each year however, the number of cases has increased to 200-340 cases per year as of 2017. At present, there are 39 cases across the state.
Good news! that Victoria’s Vice Chief Health officer Deborah Friedman has confirmed with the Age that the risk of getting Buruli ulcer still considered “low”.
What can I do to determine whether I have a buruli ulcer?
The first thing to look
for when you have a Buruli wound is the appearance of a lump that doesn’t hurt and appears like an insect bite. This could – or might not be itchy.
Buruli ulcer starts as a tiny painful swelling on the surface which people mistake for an insect bite. After a couple of months the bump will turn into something more gnarly, breaking the skin and flowing with pus.
What is the best way to treat Buruli ulcers?
Treatment isn’t an easy job. A course of antibiotics lasting eight weeks is typically recommended. If the ulcer has gotten large enough, surgery to eliminate the dead tissue around the wound and skin grafts could be needed.
Because untreated skin ulcers tend to grow larger over time, early detection and timely treatment can limit the loss of skin.
If you notice a suspicious bump that isn’t going to go disappear, or is slowly becoming bigger , and you’ve been around the affected areas within the past couple of months, you should see your doctor right away.
Here’s an image of Peninsula Health, just be sure to not eat anything.
