Public urged to avoid skin fungus

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http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200410/s1219915.htm

Last Update: Thursday, October 14, 2004. 12:46pm (AEST)

Public urged to avoid skin fungus

The Western Australian Health Department has warned Margaret River

residents, in the state's south-west, to be on the alert for a rare

skin fungus that is spreading through the region.

In what is said to be Australia's worst outbreak, the area has

reported 11 cases this year.

The infectious disease is caused by contact with spores found on

mouldy hay, mulch and other organic material, and causes painful

lesions.

The Health Department's Dr Shirley Bowden says farmers and gardeners

should cover up any cuts or abrasions to avoid infection.

" One of the problems with it is that it's a disease that slowly

grows and it stays there for a long time, and for that reason the

treatment takes at least four to six months of an antibiotic anti-

fungal treatment, " she said.

" So prevention is always better than cure, but the treatment will be

successful, it just takes a lot of work to get rid of it. "

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