First known Buruli ulcer cases detected on south coast, Batemans Bay

Last month, a Batemans Bay resident was diagnosed with the first known case of Buruli ulcer in New South Wales.

Buruli ulcer is caused by bacteria - Mycobacterium ulcerans - and is known to be spread by mosquitoes.

The infection cannot be spread person-to-person.

READ MORE:

Following the detected case in Batemans Bay, Southern NSW Local Health District officials are investigating two historic cases of Buruli ulcer.

SNSWLHD acting director of public health, April Roberts-Witteveen, said the latest diagnosis led them to the other south coast locals, who had been infected between 2021 and now.

"All three people are understood to have been infected locally and are the only local transmissions observed in New South Wales to date," Ms Roberts-Witteveen said.

"Previous cases of Buruli ulcer in NSW have been diagnosed in people who had travelled to affected areas of Victoria or Queensland, so finding the infection in NSW in people who have not travelled is unusual," Ms Roberts-Witteveen said.

"While the precise transmission method for Buruli ulcer is not fully understood, there is increasing evidence from other parts of Australia that mosquitoes and possums likely play a key role."

NSW Health is assessing the role of possums and mosquitoes as part of the investigation into transmission on the south coast.

The department is also communicating with local health care providers to ensure they are aware of the possibility of infections in people who have not travelled.

Buruli ulcer has been routinely reported in parts of Queensland, Northern Territory, and multiple areas in Victoria where the number of varies widely from year to year, increasing to between 200-340 cases per year since 2017.

READ MORE:

With mosquitoes known to play a role in infecting humans, Ms Roberts-Witteveen offered some useful advice to avoid the critters - and by extension, potential infection.

"We remind people of the steps they can take to prevent mosquito bites as the temperatures increase over coming months," she said.

"Residents can prevent mosquito breeding by removing items around their home that might collect water, such as old tyres or empty pots. Drainage issues should be addressed so that water does not become stagnant. Ensure coverings for windows and doors have insect screens with no holes or gaps in them."

Buruli ulcer typically starts as a painless nodule or papule, often mistaken for an insect bite.

It eventually progresses into an ulcer which can last many months, with undermined edges (where the infection is mostly below the surface of the skin, in the subcutaneous tissue).

Patients typically report symptoms around four to five months after being bitten by a mosquito.

However, in some cases symptoms may not appear for up to nine months.

Early recognition and treatment are important. Effective treatment consists of eight weeks of special antibiotic therapy. Anyone who is concerned about a non-healing skin ulcer should see their General Practitioner.

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter bringing you the best in local news