Community invited to learn about the Bairnsdale Ulcer

POINT Lonsdale Civic Association members will hear from Professor Paul Johnson next month when he speaks about the Burili Ulcer (also known as the Bairnsdale Ulcer).
Community members are invited to join the PLCA Member Meeting, where Professor Johnson, deputy director of the infectious diseases department at Austin Health, will speak on October 18.
PLCA president David Kenwood said Professor Johnson was the lead medical scientist and member of the team which received 1.5 million dollars from the National Health and Medical Research Council to further the research not only into the method of infection transfer, but also into treatment for this disease on both the Mornington and Bellarine peninsulas.
“Professor Johnson’s team also have a particular interest in Point Lonsdale, and the incidence of the ulcer here,” Mr Kenwood said.
“This talk should provide all those present with a better understanding of the disease, its spread and treatment.
“While Mycobacterium ulcerans infection – or Buruli ulcer as it’s more commonly known – predominates in West Africa, cases have been increasing exponentially in coastal Victoria, specifically the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas, with 275 cases recorded in 2017.”
Two decades of collaborative research has identified mosquitos as the vectors of the disease to humans and possums as the wildlife reservoir.
Buruli ulcer is a destructive skin and soft tissue infection that can lead to permanent functional or cosmetic deformity.
Treatment for it is complex, requiring multiple antibiotics for prolonged periods and occasionally reparative surgery.