the skin over the lump then dies, turns black and eventually becomes an open sore that, if untreated, grows.

This is a typical case of Buruli ulcer, a condition that until recently was primarily found in West Africa.

Victoria is now considered the Buruli ulcer centre of the world, with a record 426 confirmed cases last year.

It is also found in other parts of Australia: pockets of coastal Queensland, where it is sometimes called Daintree ulcer, and around Darwin.

Buruli ulcer is caused by the microbe Mycobacterium ulcerans

It can be transmitted to humans via mosquitoes, so ulcers usually appear in areas near bites, such as on arms and legs.

wtf !!!

While mosquitoes are a main source of Buruli ulcers, they are not the only one.

Brushtail and ringtail possums are also known to get infected, and can develop nasty ulcers on their paws, face and tail.

possums !!!