Flesh-eating bug, Buruli ulcer, sparks Melbourne alert

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A mysterious flesh-eating bug has spread to non-coastal Melbourne suburbs, prompting a fresh health alert.

Multiple cases of Buruli ulcer, commonly found in stagnant water, have been identified in Essendon, Moonee Ponds and Brunswick West.

Chief health officer Brett Sutton said the new cases meant Melbourne’s inner north was now an area of interest.

“This is the first non-coastal area in Victoria to be recognised as a potential area of risk,” he said.

“However, the risk of transmission in these areas is considered low.”

Chief Health Officer Advisory:
Several cases of Buruli Ulcer have occurred in the Essendon, Moonee Ponds and Brunswick West areas of inner Melbourne.

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