Published: 2016 August 20 14:49:27 (9377 Views)

A flesh-eating zombie bug is spreading across Australia and tens of thousands of people are at risk of catching Bairnsdale ulcer.

The gruesome bug has been around for decades but its prevalence in the country is growing, with parts of Victoria and Queensland already hit hard and warnings that New South Wales could be next.

It is believed it could be spread by mosquitoes bites or even through possums after they have been bitten by the insect.

The disease first starts out looking like any normal mosquito bit but months later, a volcano-like wound will develop and starting eating through the flesh.

If picked up early, the first line of treatment is to cut away the dead skin or to use oral or intravenous antibiotics.

But if left untreated, the bite can develop and force its victims to need extensive surgery and be left with extreme scarring.

Others are even forced to have limbs amputated.

The aggressive bug can be transmitted from person to person as soon as they step into one of the hotspots.



Earlier this month, it was reported the bug had spread to the Melbourne suburbs of Bentleigh, Hampton and Cheltenham, southeast of the CBD.

Austin Health infectious diseases physician and medical researcher Professor Paul Johnson said the bug should not be ignored.

He said more research needed to be done into the spread of the disease, to stop it seeping into other states.

There have been cases in other countries, predominantly in Nigeria, Mali and other west African countries.

Australia is the only developed country with significant Bairnsdale ulcer outbreaks.

The chief health officer of Victoria said the bug was first diagnosed in the Bairnsdale area in the 1930s and, since 2012, areas on the Mornington Peninsula, particularly Rye and surrounding townships, had seen a growing number of cases.

Professor Guest said wearing appropriate, protective clothing when gardening and undertaking recreational activities in areas with the Bairnsdale ulcer would prevent infection.

Cuts and abrasions should also be cleaned promptly and exposed skin contaminated by suspect soil or water should be washed following outdoor activities.

Professor Guest said people should also protect themselves with insect repellent.



Source - Sun

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