Australia faces a "carnivorous" bacterium. "A truly extraordinary pathogen"

Victoria has become a global center for Buruli ulcer infections, with a record 426 cases reported in 2025. By October 2026, 294 infections were confirmed, with numbers expected to rise. The disease is caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, leading to painless lumps that can develop into severe skin damage. Experts recommend using mosquito repellents in affected areas, as Aedes notoscriptus mosquitoes are identified as key vectors. Buruli ulcer has been observed since the 1930s and occurs in over 30 countries, primarily in Africa. The transmission mechanism was only discovered in 2024, linking the bacteria to mosquito bites in southeastern Australia.