Donovanosis: ‘Flesh-eating STI’ on the rise in the UK

Doctors in the UK have warned a rare sexually transmitted disease is on the up – and it affects men more than it does women.

A rare sexually transmitted disease that “progressively destroys genital tissue” is spreading in the UK.

The medical condition is known as donovanosis but has been dubbed the “flesh-eating STI” thanks to its ability to eat away at your private parts.

Early symptoms include “beefy-red lesions” that can appear on the genitals or around the anus that begin to wear away over time transforming them into “raised, beefy-red, velvety nodules called granulation tissue” according to the National Library of Medicine (NLM).

When left untreated, the infection slowly destroys genital tissue and spreads beyond genitals to other parts of your body, including the thighs and lower abdomen.

A doctor on TikTok recently shared a video warning British people about a ‘flesh-eating STI’. Picture: TikTok/dr.karanr

The bacteria that causes the flesh-eating infection is normally found in countries including South Africa, Brazil and India – but it is now being seen in the UK too.

British experts have warned donovanosis – also known as klebsiella granulomatis – is “on the rise” after reported instances swelled from 19 in 2016 to 30 in 2019, The Sun reports.

Despite data from Public Health England showing there was a dip during the 2020 lockdown, gynaecologist Dr Shree Datta told the publication it was becoming “more common” and something people should be aware of.

“As well as the awful symptoms, it’s important people are aware that it’s a known risk factor for the transmission of HIV,” she said.

“The early signs are lumps around the genitals or anus that increase in size and take on a beefy-red appearance.

“These can develop into ulcers that, without treatment, can become infected, which can result in pain and an unpleasant smell. It’s more likely to affect men.”

Donovanosis progressively destroys genital tissue and if left untreated can result in permanent disfigurement. Picture: iStock

The London doctor said the best way to prevent contracting the disease, which is treated with antibiotics, is by practising safe sex.

A second British doctor, Dr Karan Raj, shared a video about the emerging STI on his TikTok account describing it as “terrifying” and explaining the testing process.

The professional warnings have sparked concern among worried Brits, with some taking to social media to warn others not to Google Image the STD while others joked it was time to “go celibate”.

Do not Google Image Search the new STD, Donovanosis. no. stop.

— Some idiot (@frostbyte987) October 23, 2021

In Australia, the infection is “extremely uncommon”, with fewer than 10 cases notified annually since 2006.

Following an outbreak of the infection in the Northern Territory in 1995, the National Donovanosis Elimination Project was formed aiming to eradicate the disease from Australia altogether.

This zero target will be confirmed when no cases have been reported in Australia for 3 years.

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