Stark Warning as Flesh-Eating Disease Spreads Across Regions
Health experts issue a dire alert as Buruli ulcer cases rise in Victoria, posing risks to everyone in the area
Buruli Ulcer, Victoria, Australia, Flesh-Eating Disease, Infection, Health Alert
Victoria: A nasty flesh-eating bacteria is on the move, and it’s got health experts sounding the alarm. This bacteria, linked to possums, is causing Buruli ulcer infections, and it’s spreading in the state.
The Health Department dropped a serious warning about this bacterial skin infection that can really mess up soft tissue. It can lead to some pretty serious disfigurements if not caught early.
According to Professor Ben Cowie, the chief health officer, the lesions start as painless lumps that might look like insect bites at first. But don’t be fooled; they can grow and cause big problems.
What’s concerning is that the number of cases this year is higher than in previous years. The disease is no longer just hanging out in coastal areas; it’s spreading across Victoria.
Buruli ulcer isn’t contagious between people, which is a relief. But the Health Department has found it in several regions, including Mornington Peninsula and parts of Melbourne.
Professor Cowie mentioned that anyone can get this disease, but it seems to hit people over 60 the hardest. Still, the overall risk is considered low.
It looks like possums and mosquitoes might be the culprits spreading this infection. The warmer months are when the risk goes up, and it can take a few months for an ulcer to show up after getting infected.
So, if you’re in the area, it’s best to steer clear of possums and their droppings. They’ve been seen with ulcers, and that’s not something you want to mess with.
There have even been a couple of cases reported in Batemans Bay, NSW, where a 94-year-old man ended up with a nasty infection on his finger. Researchers are worried this could mean the disease is starting to spread there too.
To stay safe, the Health Department suggests avoiding mosquito bites, keeping your home mosquito-proof, and wearing gloves and long sleeves when you’re outside. Better safe than sorry!