cross-posted from: https://aussie.zone/post/36493354

Buruli ulcer is a skin infection resulting from the bacterium Mycobacterium ulcerans.

It starts as small and often painless inflammation after a mosquito bite, which may not be seen until months after initial infection. It transforms into a disfiguring ulcer after many weeks.

If left untreated, it can continue increasing in size with a loss of skin and muscle.

A buruli ulcer is treated with an eight-week course of antibiotics. Recovery can be much slower than expected for other common skin infections

In Australia, it has been reported in several states, territories and regions, including Victoria, Far North Queensland, the Northern Territory and New South Wales.

Victoria has been hit hardest, with 426 cases reported in the state in 2025 alone.

Apart from the usual means of prevention of mozzie bites, the authors have come up with a new system for controlling mosquito populations which will be available on the market in the near future.