Alert Issued Regarding Flesh-Eating Ulcer Outbreak in Australia

Sydney, Dec 21 (NationPress) Health authorities in Australia's second-most populous state have raised an alarm regarding the rise of a flesh-eating ulcer. The Department of Health in Victoria announced on Friday that cases of Buruli ulcer are proliferating throughout the state, including areas within inner Melbourne, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.

Buruli ulcer is a bacterial infection that researchers suspect is transmitted from possums to humans through mosquitoes. Initial symptoms present as a painless lump or sore, which can gradually evolve into a damaging ulcer.

If not addressed, this flesh-eating ulcer can result in lasting disfigurement and chronic disabilities.

The health department's alert indicated that the highest risk of contracting the infection arises during the warmer months, although it may take four to five months for an ulcer to manifest.

As of December 17, there have been 344 confirmed cases of Buruli ulcer in Victoria for the year 2024, a slight decrease from 362 cases at the same point in 2023, 338 in 2022, 286 in 2021, and 217 in 2020.

"Everyone is at risk of infection. The disease can affect individuals of any age, but notifications of Buruli ulcer are most prevalent among those aged 60 and over in Victoria," the health warning stated.

Although the infection does not spread from person to person, it is recommended that household members of confirmed cases in Victoria observe for symptoms, as they may have been exposed to a shared environmental source.

When identified early, diagnostic assessments are simple, and treatment can significantly lessen skin loss and tissue impairment, affirmed the Department of Health.

The 6.9 million residents of Victoria have been urged to implement preventive measures by steering clear of mosquito bites.