Health experts launch urgent mosquito warning after confirming new case of flesh-eating ulcer

Health experts launch urgent mosquito warning after confirming new case of flesh-eating ulcer that is so severe it can require surgery

  • Authorities have confirmed second flesh-eating ulcer case in last two months 
  • The two cases occured in North Queensland on November 14 and 24 this year 
  • It is not known how the Daintree ulcer, or Burili ulcer, infection is spread 
  • Insect bites are one theory that authorities are investigating as the cause  

Health experts have launched an urgent mosquito warning after a second person was struck down in Far North Queensland with a flesh-eating ulcer.

Authorities are yet to link the ulcers directly to mosquitos, but in both instances the infected persons were exposed to the insects.   

‘Two notifications of Daintree Ulcer were received in November, the first on the 14th involving a person living in Mossman and the second on the 24th involving a person living in the Daintree,’ Tropical Public Health Services acting director Dr Madhumati Chatterji said in a statement to Yahoo7 News. 

A new case of a flesh-eating ulcer that is likely to be spread by mosquito bites has been confirmed in North Queensland (stock image) 

‘In both cases, there was most likely local exposure.  

‘It is not known how the infection is contracted, there are various theories including the possibility of insect transmission,’ Dr Chatterji said.

Daintree ulcer, also known as Burili ulcer, is a flesh-eating infection which can cause large ulcers at the infection site.

Antibiotics are the primary treatment and surgery can also be needed if the wound is serious enough. 

Authorities are urging the public to avoid contact with soil or untreated water in North Queensland and to avoid mosquito bites by covering up and using insect repellent.

Users on social media reacted to the warning with shock.

‘Careful when up north,’ one user posted.

‘Better keep an eye on those bites,’ another user said. 

‘Sorry we are not going to North Queensland anytime soon,’ another said.  

Authorities are yet to link the ulcers (stock, pictured) directly to mosquitos, but in both instances the infected persons were exposed to the insects

Authorities are yet to link the ulcers (stock, pictured) directly to mosquitos, but in both instances the infected persons were exposed to the insects

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk