Status: Active
Issued by: Professor Charles Guest, Chief Health Officer, Victoria
Issued to: Health professionals
Date issued: 30 November 2016
Key messages:
- Cutaneous Mycobacterium ulcerans (also known as M.ulcerans) and the cause of Buruli ulcer, continues to be a concern in Victoria with most cases linked to exposure to known endemic areas in the Mornington Peninsula and Bellarine Peninsula.
- There has been a steady increase in notifications of M. ulcerans. The infection affects people of all ages.
- Consider the possibility of M.ulcerans in patients who present with a painless ulcer or compatible lesion after exposure to an endemic area. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential to minimise skin loss.
- Mosquito bite from an infected mosquito is considered a probable mode of infection so encourage all patients to take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
- M.ulcerans is a Group B disease and must be notified to the Department within five days of diagnosis.
More information
For the latest information about this issue see: Cutaneous Mycobacterium ulcerans infection
Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne.