Buruli ulcer victim shares shocking story as flesh-eating bug cases spiral
A young Frankston woman who contracted a mysterious flesh-eating disease has shared her horror story, as the number of Buruli ulcer cases surge across the Peninsula.
South East
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A young woman who contracted a mysterious flesh-eating bug has shared her horrifying story in the hope it will remind people to remain vigilant and seek treatment early.
Frankston woman Sarah Maree said the impact of the Buruli ulcer — commonly known as the Bairnsdale ulcer — had been traumatic.
“It was awful. The statistics are growing and it’s really concerning,” the 32-year-old said.
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She said she initially discovered what appeared to be a suspected spider bite on her left ankle in September, 2016.
“I took regular antibiotics for a five-day course, but it continued to grow despite dressing it everyday at the recommendation of GPs and pharmacists,” she said.
Tests later confirmed Ms Maree had the Bairnsdale ulcer and she underwent surgery including a skin graft.
“I was in hospital for eight days to help speed up the chance of my skin graft success and spent another couple of weeks on crutches,” she said.
“I was walking by New Year’s Eve. I had another check up with the plastic surgeon and then I’ve never needed a check-up since.
“My key message is to be vigilant.”
She urged those with what appeared to a red lumpy mosquito bite with ‘white’ in the middle to immediately see their GP.
“This is a flesh-eating ulcer that progresses deeper and wider into the skin as time goes on,” Ms Maree said.
“The quicker you can start treatment, the better your outcome, hopefully without surgery resulting after the antibiotic treatment ceases.”
The latest State Government data shows reports of the bug are spiralling across the region, with 111 cases recorded in the shire, and 27 in Frankston, in the past financial year.
High risk areas include Rye, Sorrento, Blairgowrie and Toogarook, while Frankston and Seaford have been deemed moderate risk.
Health experts are unsure how the vicious bacteria is transmitted and are examining a link with possum faeces and mosquitoes.
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