03/06/2026
๐ฆ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ฌ ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐๐๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐ซ๐ข๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ข ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ฌ๐๐ฌ
Three local councils experiencing increasing cases of Buruli ulcer have joined forces with the Barwon South West Public Health Unit to raise awareness as infections continue to rise across the region.
Buruli ulcer (also known as Bairnsdale ulcer) is a skin disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. The bacteria produce toxins that damage skin tissue, leading to ulceration and skin loss.
In recent years, cases in Victoria have risen significantly, particularly across the Mornington and Bellarine peninsulas. The disease is now spreading into new areas, including Melbourne, the Surf Coast and parts of Greater Geelongโespecially Belmont, Highton, Newtown, Grovedale, Waurn Ponds, Wandana Heights and Marshall.
Last year saw the highest number of cases on record for the Geelong and Surf Coast region.
While research led by Barwon Health and CSIRO is ongoing, early diagnosis and treatment remains critical to improving patient outcomes.
The City of Greater Geelong, Surf Coast Shire, and Borough of Queenscliffe - local government areas where cases are increasing - are supporting a regional awareness campaign to encourage early detection and treatment.
Read more about symptoms and how to reduce your risk here https://bswphu.org.au/news/councils-unite-to-address-rising-buruli-ulcer-cases/
PHOTO: Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj, Borough of Queenscliff Mayor Donnie Grigau, Assoc Professor Daniel O'Brien and Surf Coast Shire Deputy Mayor Tony Phelps discuss ulcer cases.
