Buruli Ulcer in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Buruli ulcer is a serious skin infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium ulcerans. It leads to the destruction of skin and soft tissue and, if not treated early, can cause significant scarring and disability.

While Buruli ulcer is rare in the United States, cases have been reported in several states, including Michigan. Residents of Grand Rapids and West Michigan who spend time outdoors—especially near standing water or mosquito‑prone areas—should be aware of the symptoms and when to seek care.

How Buruli Ulcer Is Spread

The exact way humans become infected with Mycobacterium ulcerans is still not fully understood. However, research from Michigan and other regions suggests:

  • Mosquitoes may play a role in transmission.
  • Wildlife (such as small mammals and possums in other regions) and the environment (soil, water, vegetation) may act as reservoirs.
  • Infection is associated with exposure to natural water sources, wetlands, and mosquito-prone environments.

Buruli ulcer is not known to spread from person to person. However, people who live in the same household or share similar outdoor exposures (such as gardening, fishing, or hiking together) may be at similar environmental risk. Household members should monitor their skin for any non-healing spots, scabs, or ulcers and seek early medical evaluation.

Buruli Ulcer in Michigan and Relevance to Grand Rapids

Although Buruli ulcer cases in Michigan remain relatively rare compared to other global hotspots, public health surveillance has shown:

  • The number of cases in Michigan has increased in recent years, with annual totals ranging from roughly 200 to 340 cases statewide in some recent reporting periods.
  • The disease is spreading geographically and is no longer confined to specific coastal or localized areas.
  • Cases have been reported in multiple regions of Michigan, including areas with wetlands, inland lakes, and mosquito habitats similar to those found around Grand Rapids and the broader Kent County area.

For Grand Rapids residents:

  • The overall risk remains low, but awareness is important, especially for those who:
    • Spend time near rivers, streams, or wetlands (e.g., Grand River, local lakes, and marshes).
    • Enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, camping, or gardening.
    • Live in areas with significant mosquito populations, especially during warm, humid months.

Local public health agencies such as the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health monitor emerging infectious diseases and can provide up-to-date information on any local clusters or concerns.

Symptoms of Buruli Ulcer

The infection usually starts subtly and may be easily mistaken for a minor skin problem. Common early and progressive symptoms include:

Early Stage

  • A painless spot or bump on the skin that may look like:
    • A mosquito bite
    • A spider bite
    • A small pimple or nodule
  • Most commonly appears on limbs (arms, legs), but can occur anywhere on the body.
  • The spot may gradually grow larger over days to weeks.

Progression

As the disease progresses:

  1. The initial spot may become a crusty, non-healing scab.
  2. The scab can break down and disintegrate, forming an ulcer.
  3. The ulcer enlarges over time, with:
    • Undermined edges (the edges may look “scooped out” or overhanging)
    • A base that may look pale or yellowish
  4. Unlike many other skin infections:
    • The ulcer is usually painless.
    • There is typically no fever or general feeling of illness.
    • Swelling or firm, raised areas of skin (plaques or nodules) may appear around the ulcer.

In some cases, Buruli ulcer can present with:

  • Local pain and swelling
  • Fever
  • Raised lumps or thickened, raised flat areas of skin without obvious ulceration at first

Because the incubation period can be long—about 4 to 5 months on average (range 1–9 months)—people may not immediately connect symptoms with a past outdoor exposure.

Who Is at Risk in Grand Rapids?

Anyone can develop Buruli ulcer, but risk may be higher for:

  • People who garden, farm, or do yard work in mosquito-prone or damp areas
  • Those who fish, hunt, or camp along rivers, lakes, and wetlands in West Michigan
  • Individuals who frequently have cuts, scratches, or insect bites that are exposed to soil or standing water
  • People with weakened immune systems (due to illness or medications)

West Michigan’s warm, humid summers and areas of standing water can support mosquito populations, which may increase exposure risk. However, even in higher-risk environments, the overall chance of infection remains low.

Diagnosis of Buruli Ulcer in Grand Rapids

Early recognition and diagnosis are critical to prevent extensive skin and tissue loss.

A Grand Rapids healthcare provider—such as a primary care physician, dermatologist, or infectious disease specialist—will typically:

  1. Take a medical and exposure history, including:
    • Recent travel (especially to areas where Buruli ulcer is more common globally: rural West and Central Africa, New Guinea, Latin America, tropical Asia)
    • Time spent near lakes, rivers, wetlands, or mosquito-prone areas in Michigan
  2. Perform a physical examination to identify:
    • A slowly enlarging, mostly painless ulcer
    • Nodules, plaques, or swelling with or without ulceration
  3. Order laboratory tests, which may include:
    • Swabs taken from the ulcer surface
    • A small skin biopsy from the edge of the lesion
      These samples are sent to a specialized laboratory to detect Mycobacterium ulcerans.

In Grand Rapids, diagnosis and treatment are often coordinated through major health systems such as:

  • Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health)
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • University of Michigan Health–West (Metro Health)
  • Mercy Health–affiliated clinics and specialists

Treatment for Buruli Ulcer

Most Buruli ulcers can be treated successfully, especially when caught early.

Standard Treatment

  • Antibiotics:
    A 6–8 week course of specific oral antibiotics is usually recommended. The exact combination is chosen by an infectious disease specialist based on current guidelines and your individual health.
  • Wound care:
    Regular cleaning, dressings, and careful skin care are essential to promote healing and reduce scarring.
  • Surgery (when needed):
    • Surgical removal of dead or severely damaged tissue
    • Skin grafting in more advanced cases
      Surgery is often combined with antibiotic therapy to improve outcomes.

Patients in Grand Rapids with suspected or confirmed Buruli ulcer are typically managed by:

  • Infectious disease physicians
  • Dermatologists
  • Plastic or general surgeons (for more advanced or complex ulcers)
  • Multidisciplinary wound care teams at local hospitals and specialty clinics

Prompt treatment can minimize skin loss, reduce scarring, and preserve function of the affected limb or area.

Preventing Buruli Ulcer in Grand Rapids and West Michigan

Although the risk of Buruli ulcer remains low, especially in urban areas like Grand Rapids, simple preventive steps can reduce your chances of infection and other mosquito-borne diseases.

1. Reduce Mosquito Breeding Sites Around Your Home

Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Around your Grand Rapids home or cottage:

  • Eliminate standing water in:
    • Buckets, flowerpot saucers, birdbaths
    • Old tires, open cans, and containers
    • Uncovered rain barrels
    • Children’s toys or tarps that collect water
  • Clean and refresh pet water bowls and birdbaths regularly.
  • Ensure gutters and drains are not clogged and allow water to flow freely.

2. Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites

Particularly important during spring, summer, and early fall in Michigan:

  • Avoid peak mosquito times:
    • Stay indoors or take extra precautions at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Use insect repellent:
    • Choose repellents containing DEET or picaridin.
    • Apply to exposed skin according to label directions.
  • Cover exposed skin:
    • Wear long, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing when outdoors.
    • Use gardening gloves, long sleeves, and long pants when working in soil, leaf litter, or near water.

3. Protect and Clean Skin Breaks

When gardening, hiking, or working outdoors around Grand Rapids:

  • Protect cuts, scratches, and abrasions with a clean, waterproof dressing.
  • If you get a new cut or scratch:
    • Wash promptly with soap and clean water.
    • Apply a topical antiseptic.
    • Cover with a sterile dressing if the area is exposed to soil or water.
  • After outdoor activities, especially if you’ve been in contact with soil or freshwater:
    • Wash exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water.

4. Monitor for Non-Healing Skin Lesions

Even though Buruli ulcer is rare, early detection is key:

  • Watch for any spot, scab, or ulcer that does not heal over a few weeks.
  • Pay special attention if the lesion:
    • Slowly gets larger
    • Remains mostly painless
    • Does not respond to standard treatments for common skin infections

See your doctor promptly and mention:

  • Your outdoor activities (gardening, fishing, camping, etc.)
  • Any travel to known Buruli ulcer regions, in the U.S. or abroad

Local Resources and Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids

If you are concerned about a possible Buruli ulcer or a non-healing skin lesion, contact:

  • Your primary care provider (GP)
  • Dermatologist
  • Infectious disease physician (often by referral)

Major healthcare systems serving Grand Rapids and West Michigan include:

  • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) – Hospitals and clinics across Grand Rapids and the metro area
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • University of Michigan Health–West (Metro Health)
  • Mercy Health–affiliated providers

For public health information and updates:

  • Kent County Health Department – Offers guidance on infectious diseases, mosquito control, and local health alerts.
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and city health initiatives – Provide education on vector control, outdoor safety, and community health programs.

Key Points for Grand Rapids Residents

  • Buruli ulcer is a rare but serious skin infection caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans.
  • In Michigan, cases have increased and spread geographically, but the overall risk remains low, including in Grand Rapids.
  • Early recognition and diagnosis are essential to prevent extensive skin and tissue damage.
  • Most Buruli ulcers are treated with a 6–8 week course of specific oral antibiotics, sometimes combined with surgery.
  • Prompt treatment helps minimize skin loss, scarring, and long-term disability.
  • Practical steps—mosquito control, protective clothing, insect repellents, and good wound care—can reduce your risk.
  • If you notice a slowly enlarging, mostly painless, non-healing skin lesion, especially after outdoor exposure, see a Grand Rapids healthcare provider and ask about testing for Buruli ulcer.