Buruli ulcer

Buruli ulcer is a disease caused by the Mycobacterium ulcerans. It often infects skin and sometimes bone. The disease usually starts as a painless swelling of the affected area, mostly on limbs. The incubation period is between 4 weeks to 9 months. It can cause irreversible disfigurement and long-term disability. There are no preventive measures or permanent cure for this disease. It was recently detected in several parts of Australia.