The Health Department of the Australian state of Victoria, located in the south of the country, warned this Thursday of the resurgence of Buruli ulcer, a pathology caused by contamination by “skin-destroying” bacteria. 344 cases of the disease were recorded in the territory between January 1 and December 17, 2024, compared to 263 for the whole of 2023, indicates the health notice published by local authorities.
The document intended for health professionals in the sector specifies that the pathology has been detected throughout the State, and in particular in Ascot Vale, a suburb of Melbourne (Australia). Affected people develop a skin lesion four to five months after infection that may initially be mistaken for an insect bite. It then takes the form of a bump or ulcer.
Do everything to preserve tissues
To avoid any risk of skin tissue loss, it is important to diagnose the condition as early as possible. This is why Professor Ben Cowie, the State Director of Health, asks health professionals not to hesitate to carry out a screening test on all patients presenting symptoms that could be those of Buruli ulcer. The examination is free for patients in public laboratories.
Positive results must be reported to state health officials within five days. To avoid contamination, which most often occurs in hot weather, it is recommended to protect your wounds when going out into nature, to clean your skin thoroughly after outdoor activities and to protect yourself from insect bites. The flesh-eating bacteria is not transmitted between humans but can be caught through mosquitoes or opossums.
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