Cases of Buruli ulcer across Geelong, Bellarine and the Surf Coast are rising faster than previous years.
There have been 238 reported cases of the flesh-eating infection in Victoria 2023, 35 of those locally.
Authorities say it’s no longer confined to coastal areas and the highest risk for infections is during warmer months.
The Health Department says anyone is susceptible to infection, however case numbers are highest for people aged 60 and over.
It’s identified Belmont, Highton, Newtown, Wandana Heights, Grovedale and Marshall as suburbs where cases are being notified.
How the Buruli ulcer is transmitted is not exactly clear although experts say there is increasing evidence that both mosquitoes and possums play a role and the bacterium that causes the ulcer is found in possum excrement.
