Warning as flesh ulcer spreads
A FLESH-EATING ulcer endemic to the Bellarine Peninsula has been found in inner Melbourne suburbs.
Victoria’s chief health officer Brett Sutton issued a warning this week, revealing several cases of the Buruli ulcer, also known as the Bairnsdale ulcer, had occurred in the Essendon, Moonee Ponds and Brunswick West areas.
“This is the first non-coastal area in Victoria to be recognised as a potential area of risk,” the warning said.
Buruli ulcer is a skin infection caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans.
“The potential source of M. ulcerans in Melbourne’s inner north has not been established, although the bacteria were isolated from the faeces of a local possum,” the advisory said.
The first sign of Buruli ulcer is usually a painless, non-tender nodule or papule, and the health advisory warned if left untreated, extensive ulceration could occur, requiring surgery.
It can eat away skin and fat cells and cause gangrene and tissue loss.
Three cases have been recorded in Greater Geelong this year, Health Department data shows, with 21 cases statewide.
Greater Geelong recorded 29 cases in 2020 and the Surf Coast and Borough of Queenscliffe, six cases each.
While mystery still surrounds the condition, Professor Sutton’s advisory noted increasing evidence that mosquitoes played a role in transmission, so reducing mosquito breeding sites and avoiding mosquito bites were important for prevention.
The advisory warned the highest risk was associated with active transmission areas on the Mornington Peninsula.
“There is a moderate risk associated with areas in the Bellarine Peninsula (Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads, Point Lonsdale, Queenscliff),” it said.
“Cases from Aireys Inlet on the Surf Coast and the Geelong suburb of Belmont in 2019 suggested these are emerging areas of local transmission.”
Barwon Health Infectious Diseases Department acting director Associate Professor Daniel O’Brien said the health service was an important part of the research team looking into the issue.
“The slight increase in cases relatively this year means we need to remain vigilant and adhere to known public health preventive messages and seek early review with a health practitioner of any suspicious lesions,” he said.