‘Flesh-Eating’ STD That Causes ‘Beefy Red’ Sores Spreading In UK

A flesh-eating disease that is sexually transmitted — which causes what a report calls “beefy red” ulcers — is spreading across the United Kingdom.

The disease, donovanosis — also called granuloma inguinale — “is a bacterial infection that causes bloody sores and ulcers on the genitals,” Birmingham Live reported. “It is more common in tropical and subtropical climates like India, South Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America, but Australia have also seen sporadic outbreaks,” said the paper.

“Figures suggest that donovanosis – which was previously thought to be restricted to places including India, Brazil and New Guinea – is becoming more common on these shores,” Dr. Shree Datta from London’s MyHealthCare Clinic told the outlet. “As well as the awful symptoms, it’s important people are aware that it’s a known risk factor for the transmission of HIV.”

Health officials say there have been 30 cases of the STD in the U.K. in 2019, but more infections in the past two years, the doctor said. The disease is usually transmitted through unprotected sex, but can sometimes spread through non-sexual skin-on-skin contact.

“The typical symptoms of donovanosis are lumps around the genitals or anus that increase in size and take on a beefy-red appearance,” said Birmingham Live. “These can develop into ulcers that can become infected, which can result in pain and an unpleasant foul smell. A typical first sign you may have donovanosis is a nodule, sore, or open lesion in the genital area. To find out for sure, your healthcare provider will likely take skin scrapings and a blood test for analysis.”

Healthline.com says donovanosis “needs immediate medical attention to help prevent long-term complications.”

“Your doctor will diagnose your condition based on a physical exam and biopsy from one of the sores. See your doctor right away if you experience:”

any ulcers in your genital or anal areared bumps that may or may not be painfulbumps on your genitals that bleed and grow in size

Birmingham Live further reported: “Donovanosis does not actually eat your flesh, but has been dubbed ‘flesh-eating’ due to its gory appearance on the skin.”

STDs have been on the rise in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cases of  gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis hit an all-time high across the United States in 2019.

“For the fifth consecutive year, combined cases of gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis have risen in the United States, according to Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance Report from the U.S. Centers