Just when you thought it was safe to go outside again!
Victoria’s health department is warning residents in Essendon, Moonee Ponds and Brunswick West to be extra cautious, after “several cases” of the Buruli ulcer were detected in the region.
Why is this bad?
Well, the Buruli ulcer is a skin infection that initially presents as lesions.
Eventually they turn into flesh-eating ulcers, which can result in disfiguration.
It’s reportedly the first time the virus has been detected in non-coastal areas, and while the chances of getting it are relatively low the health department says people should stay vigilant.
Professor Tim Stinear, Molecular Microbiologist from the Doherty Institute, said particularly powerful antibiotics were needed to treat the ulcer.
“If you get it early then there is usually a pretty good outcome,” he added.
Sounds nasty!
