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BURULI ULCER
When we think of world as a whole , spontaneously a division comes into our mind  i.e; of a developed world and a still developing world . The denizens of the third world countries bear the brunt of corrupt politics, low economic growth , poor record of human rights and above all , no health and medical security. Malaria, dengue , diarrhea ,tuberculosis are some commonly found diseases in the third world countries. But the health problems  of this world do not stop at these above mentioned diseases. Since they are still developing , so every day  they counter new health problems. One such problem is of BURULI ULCER.
Now the questions that arise in context to this health hazard are
A)     What is it?
B)      Which geographical location provides breeding ground for such a disease ?
C)      Which part of the  body falls pray to the microbes leading this problem?
D)     What are its symptoms?
E)      What is its cure?


It is a disorder caused by infection with a member of the family of bacteria that causes tuberculosis and leprosy – the bacterium mycobacterium ulcerans -  that starts as painless swelling in the skin most commonly in the limbs and causes severely deforming ulcers.  A nodule develops within the skin surface that is teeming with  mycobacteria . The bacteria produces a toxin which destroys tissue and suppresses the immune system. Massive areas of skin and sometimes bone are destroyed causing grossly deforming ulcers, unique to Buruli ulcer and easy to recognize.
GEOGRAPHICAL PRESENCE
Most patients are children and women who live in rural areas near rivers or wetlands in at least 25 countries in Africa, the western Pacific , Asia and central and south America. Buruli ulcer is named after an area of Uganda which was the  site of many cases in the 1960s. In Africa , about 48% of those affected  are children under 15 years , in Australia 10% are children under 15 years and in Japan 19%  are children.
GENDER DISTRIBUTION
Africa- 52% males , 48% females
Japan – 34% males, 66% females
In general , about 35% of lesions occur on the upper limbs, 55% on the lower limbs and 10% on the other parts of the body.
In Africa , most cases are still diagnosed late: category 1= 32%, category 2 = 35% and category 3= 33%.
SYMPTOMS
Buruli ulcer often starts as a painless swelling nodule. It can initially be present as a large painless area of plaque or a diffuse painless swelling of the legs, arms or face.
CANCERIOUS CONSEQUENCES
If buruli ulcers are not properly treated , they may turn into cancer after some years. Usually , traditional treatments used for buruli ulcer leave bad scars that can easily develop into cancer.
TREATMENT
For treatment WHO recommends the following :
1.       Different combinations of antibiotics given for 8 weeks are used to treat the ulcer.
2.       Complementary treatment such as wound care, surgery and interventions to minimize or prevent disabilities are necessary depending on the stage of the disease.
WHAT CAN WE DO?
1.       We can be the link between our community and the health centres/hospitals.
2.       Increase awareness about it to encourage those affected to report rapidly.
3.       Identify people with suspected buruli ulcer , register and refer them to the nearest health centre.
4.       Support and follow up people who have returned to the community after treatment at health centres or hospitals.

Research regarding transmission , treatment and permanent relief for this monster is still going on.

For fighting any illness , “prevention is always better than cure”. So keep making people aware and healthy.

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