about leprosy: buruli ulcer
Buruli ulcer is a flesh-destroying disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, a bacterium that is closely related to Mycobacterium leprae, which causes leprosy.
Buruli begins as a painless nodule under the skin. If it is left untreated, toxins eat away the skin causing massive ulcerations on legs, hands, arms, buttocks, or face.
Approximately 70 percent of its victims are children under age 15. It is likely that many patients die before reaching a clinic.
People with Buruli ulcer often report the same social, psychological, economic, and emotional devastation experienced by people with leprosy. Their unsightly wounds frighten neighbors and families who often respond with fear and superstition.
For now, there is no medicine to cure Buruli. It can be arrested only through surgery—this, in countries like Ghana which has a handful of plastic surgeons for 20 million people. Buruli surgery can require three to 18 months of hospitalization. Treatment costs can reach $1000 per person.
The World Health Organization reports Buruli ulcer in 30 countries, mainly tropical regions. During the last decade, the incidence of Buruli has increased dramatically in Ghana and Ivory Coast.
Read more information about Buruli Ulcer here. Read about how Buruli Ulcer is affecting Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire in our Project Pages.
