This is a note from MVCC
Buruli Ulcer Health Alert for Moonee Valley suburbs
The following update is provided upon receiving information this morning from Western Health’s Public Health Unit regarding an elevated alert of the Buruli Ulcer for the Inner Melbourne suburbs of Essendon, Moonee Ponds, Brunswick West, Pascoe Vale South and Strathmore.
Buruli (also known as Bairnsdale) ulcer is a skin disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium ulcerans. The toxins made by the bacteria destroy skin cells, small blood vessels and the fat under the skin, which leads to ulceration and skin loss. These bacteria are found in the environment – for example, they have been detected in mosquitoes, vegetation and possum poo from some possum species in areas where there are cases of Buruli ulcer. It is not known exactly how humans become infected. In Victoria, there is increasing evidence that mosquitoes and possums have a role in transmitting the infection which has a 6-month gestation period (cases are being reported now from being infected last summer period).
The disease is spreading geographically across Victoria and is no longer restricted to specific locations, however in this case it is reported that activity along Moonee Ponds Creek and adjacent tributaries may be associated. Western Health advises that there are elevated cases in young females in their 20s who are presenting in 60% of cases for this age cohort, along with more elderly females in their 60s. Early recognition and diagnosis are important to prevent skin and tissue loss. Advice is to see your doctor if you have a non-healing skin lesion and ask them to consider testing for Buruli ulcer. More general information on the Buruli Ulcer can be found by visiting this page: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/Buruli-ulcer?fbclid=IwAR0XbzAZho6peOMU25vY7h7zR7lvexOd5AzgilP4J-yC55sAEha2y17TMtE#locations-of-buruli-ulcer-outbreaks