Flesh-destroying ulcer infection spreads
Pastor Dale Morgan
Flesh-destroying ulcer infection spreads*
January 14, 2007 12:00pm
Article from: Agence France-Presse
AUSTRALIA - THE first case of a flesh-eating ulcer infection in New
South Wales has been reported, prompting warnings for doctors to watch
out for the disease.
The Bairnsdale ulcer, which kills human skin cells, fat and blood
vessels, was first diagnosed in Australia in 1948, on the Victorian coast.
Infection rates in the state have more than doubled in the past three
years, with 61 people diagnosed in 2006, and cases have also been
declared in Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Now NSW has recorded its first case - a 42-year-old man who developed
the condition after sea-kayaking near the town of Eden in the state's
far south.
The ulcer is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium ulcerans, which is
found naturally in the environment.
It is not known how humans become infected with the disease, which is
common in Africa, but it is believed to be transmitted by mosquitoes.
A scab on the kayaker's ankle developed into a gaping wound which grew
over five months before he was admitted to a Melbourne hospital last
January to have the lesion excised.
Officially declaring the case in the latest Medical Journal of
Australia, infectious diseases experts said it was the "first strong
evidence'' the disease had spread into NSW.
"Australian primary care clinicians need to be aware that the ulcer may
occur in NSW to ensure early diagnosis and treatment,'' wrote Paul
Johnson from Austin Health in Melbourne.
The finding came as Australian plastic surgeons, GPs, physicians and
public health experts set down new guidelines recommending people use
insect repellent and wear protective clothing while in disease hotspots.
Professor Johnson and his team also advised colleagues confronted with
large ulcers to use both antibiotics and surgery.
Other new research published in the journal suggests that in a quarter
of cases the disease will still spread after surgery if antibiotics
aren't used.