A bacteria nicknamed “flesh eater” is causing growing concern in Australia. It is about Mycobacterium ulceransresponsible for theBuruli ulcer. Health authorities in the south of the country recently issued an alert regarding the spread of this disease.
Diagnosed for the first time in the 1930sit is traditionally limited to certain coastal areas. However, the infection is now spreading to several regions, which increases the risk for the entire population. People aged over 60 are the most affected.
What are the causes and symptoms?
What does this ulcer look like? It generally manifests itself as a painless lesion which can be confused with an insect bite. It appears on the arms, legs or face. If it is not treated, it progresses within a few weeks into destructive ulcerdamaging skin and subcutaneous tissues, even bones. It’s a toxin produced by bacteria who is responsible for this damage. In the worst cases, this skin infection can lead to severe lesions, disabilities and permanent deformations.
The treatment is based on a combination ofantibiotics and other medications. As for the exact mode of transmission, it remains uncertain. However, evidence suggests that mosquitoes and opossums could play a role. Studies have detected the presence of the bacteria in the feces of opossums, and some of these animals have ulcers similar to those seen in humans.
What to do to protect yourself?
To prevent contamination, Australian authorities recommendavoid mosquito bites. To do this, residents are encouraged to use repellents and to wear covering clothing during outdoor activities, especially at night.
Local people are also advised not to handle possums and to avoid contact with their droppings. In the event of a suspicious skin lesion, Australians are invited to consult a health professional. This bacteria has already been detected in the past in several countries in Africa, South America and the Eastern Pacific, but never in Europe.
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