State of Victoria Travel Forum

An outbreak of a flesh-eating bug has hit a tourist resort in Australia, with doctors warning that it is a condition that should be “avoided at all costs”.

According to Melbourne’s The Age newspaper website, health authorities in the resort of Point Lonsdale have identified six people affected by the rare skin condition mycobacterium ulcerans.

The website quotes the state of Victoria’s chief health officer Robert Hall as saying that the condition began as an “itchy lesion” that could develop into an ulcer and, if left untreated, could lead to a need for skin grafts or other surgery.

He reportedly added: “Although rare, this is a very serious condition that should be avoided at all costs. To avoid infection, people should cover exposed skin during outdoor activities, avoid insect bites and wash exposed areas thoroughly. If anyone has a skin sore, lump or ulcer that is not healing, especially if it is pain-free, they should see a doctor.”

Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad