Buruli ulcer is a bacterial skin disease that damages the skin and soft tissue. It is usually found on arms and legs.
If it is not treated, the ulcers can become larger, causing a loss of skin and muscle. It can also lead to disability.
Buruli ulcer is commonly present in tropical and subtropical areas around the world. In Australia, it is common in Far North Queensland and Victoria. There have been some cases in New South Wales, but this is not common. Avoiding infection, finding out early and getting treatment is very important.
Buruli ulcer is sometimes called Bairnsdale ulcer, Daintree ulcer or Mossman ulcer.
Initial signs of Buruli ulcer include a painless lump, normally formed on the arms, legs or face.
Over time, the lump grows into a painless ulcer. Symptoms often appear 4-5 months after exposure.
If not treated, the ulcer will continue to grow into the skin tissue, muscle and bone. Sometimes the infection will not cause an ulcer. It may produce a lump, a rough patch on the skin, localised swelling or fever.
In Australia, Buruli ulcer most often spreads to humans from bites by mosquitoes carrying the bacteria. However, the bacteria that cause Buruli ulcer can also exist in soil or water in the environment.
People with a Buruli ulcer cannot spread it to other people.
Anyone who is exposed to the bacteria may develop Buruli ulcer. People at greater risk include people who work or spend time outdoors or near soil or stagnant water.
Cases have been reported in:
There is no vaccine for Buruli ulcer.
The best way to avoid getting sick, especially if you are in an area where Buruli ulcer is common, is to avoid mosquito bites:
If you are in an area where Buruli ulcer is common:
Visit your doctor if you think you have a Buruli ulcer infection. They will check your skin and may take a sample for testing. They may also ask if you have visited areas known to have Buruli ulcer.
If you have Buruli ulcer, your doctor will prescribe oral antibiotics for 6-8 weeks. Sometimes surgery may be required.
Buruli ulcer is a notifiable disease in NSW.
This means that doctors and laboratory services need to inform their local public health unit of any cases of Buruli ulcer.
This helps to identify cases and outbreaks of Buruli ulcer. It also means NSW Health can provide you and the community with advice on how to reduce the risk of Buruli ulcer.
To find out where Buruli ulcer is common, visit:
For further advice, see: