Warning: Graphic images.
A we-kid-you-not, flesh eating bacteria is quickly rising in Victoria with medical professionals and researches in the dark about how it is spread.
Cases of the bacteria, and ensuing infection have increased in the last couple years with182 new cases in 2016 and 275 in 2017. These cases are also becoming more severe and in new areas according to The Medical Journal of Australia released today.
The World Health Organisation explains that the bacteria, known as a Buruli ulcer (Mycobacterium ulcerans infection), is in the same family of bacteria that causes tuberculosis and leprosy and affects mainly bone and skin.
“As a community, we are facing a rapidly worsening epidemic of a severe disease without knowing how to prevent it,” researchers said.
“The time to act is now, and we advocate for local, regional and national governments to urgently commit to funding the research needed to stop Buruli ulcer.”
Experts are calling on the government to provide funding to tackle the problem. They also report most cases in Victoria are occuring on the Mornington and Bellarine peninsulas.
This is plausibly due to the association between the disease and stagnant water but is unconfirmed. The report did state that infection appears to occur in warmer months with bites or trauma to the skin possibly playing a role.
The ulcer can be treated with antibiotics, but patients end up paying about $14,000 each, because the drugs are not covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Many sufferers also require plastic surgery.
Better Health Vic report the following to be symptomatic of the bacteria/infection:
- A spot that looks like a mosquito or spider bite forms on the skin (most commonly on the limbs).
- The spot grows bigger over days or weeks.
- The spot may form a crusty, non-healing scab.
- The scab then disintegrates into an ulcer.
- The ulcer continues to enlarge.
- Unlike other ulcers, this ulcer is usually painless and there is generally no fever or other signs of infection.
- The infection may sometimes present with no ulceration but with localised pain, swelling and fever, raised lumps, or thickened or raised flat areas of skin.
Image: Getty / Manuel-F-O
Written by Ally Parker
