Medically Reviewed By Dr Avinash Jha
Flesh Eating Buruli ulcer: Buruli ulcer caused by flesh eating bacteria is spreading very fast in Victoria (Melbourne), Australia, which was reported by the Chief Health Officer there. Know what is this Buruli ulcer and how does it spread and what are its symptoms and treatment.
A significant increase has been seen in new cases of flesh eating Buruli ulcer in Melbourne, due to which the health system there has become active. By the way, cases of Buruli ulcer are being seen in Australia not from today but since 1948, especially it has been seen in Victoria, Australia.
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Prof Ben Cowie issued a statement and warned people that the infection of Buruli ulcer is spreading rapidly and its prevention is necessary. He said that “The disease is spreading geographically across Victoria and is no longer restricted to specific coastal locations”.
What is Flesh Eating Buruli Ulcer
Buruli Ulceris devasting skin disease, which leads to large ulcers, with extensive destruction of skin and soft tissue, usually on the legs or arms. If not detected and treated early the results in long term functional disability such as restriction of joint movement, which leads to social exclusion.
It is named after a region called Buruli, near the Nile river in Uganda, where in 1961 the first large number of cases were detected.
Early diagnosis and treatment is vital in functional disability but it is one of the most neglected but treatable disease.
Incubation period of Flesh eating Buruli Ulcer is weeks to months.
Mode of transmission is exposure to ulcer stagnant water, soil or vegetation area.
What Is Flesh Eating Disease
Flesh Eating disease is mainly called Necrotizing Fasciitis, a rare condition in which bacteria destroy tissues underlying the skin. This tissue death called Necrosis. This disease can be fatal.
What causes a flesh-eating ulcer?
Buruli ulcer is caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium ulcerans, which releases a toxin that destroys skin and soft tissue.
What does Buruli ulcer look like at the start?
Flesh Eating Buruli ulcer starts like a small mosquito bite and forms a painless lump on the arms, legs or other parts mainly face.
Buruli Ulcer Treatment
Buruli ulcer can be cured if treated with oral antibiotics within the first 6 to 8 weeks. If the condition is severe, treatment can be done through a surgical method. For further more information please check WHO.
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