The prevalence of ‘flesh-eating STI’ is increasing in the United Kingdom
Doctors in the United Kingdom have warned that a rare sexually transmitted disease is on the rise — and it affects males more than women.
In the United Kingdom, a rare sexually transmitted disease that “progressively destroys genital tissue” is spreading.
The medical ailment is known as donovanosis, but because of its tendency to eat away at your private parts, it has been dubbed the “flesh-eating STI.”
According to the National Library of Medicine, early signs include “beefy-red lesions” that can grow on the genitals or around the anus and gradually wear away, transforming them into “raised, beefy-red, velvety nodules called granulation tissue” (NLM).
If left untreated, the infection gradually kills vaginal tissue and spreads to other parts of your body, including the thighs and lower abdomen.
The bacteria that causes the flesh-eating infection is generally found in South Africa, Brazil, and India, but it is now being seen in the United Kingdom as well.
The Sun claims that British doctors have warned that donovanosis, also known as klebsiella granulomatis, is “on the rise” after documented cases increased from 19 in 2016 to 30 in 2019.
Despite data from Public Health England indicating a drop during the 2020 shutdown, gynaecologist Dr. Shree Datta told the publication that it was getting “more common” and that people should be aware of it.
“As well as the awful symptoms, it’s important people are aware that it’s a known risk factor for the transmission of HIV,” she said.
“The early signs are lumps around the genitals or anus that increase in size and take on a beefy-red appearance.
“These can develop into ulcers that, without treatment, can become infected, which can result in pain and an unpleasant smell. It’s more likely to affect men.”
The best method to avoid catching the condition, which is treated with antibiotics, according to the London specialist, is to practise safe sex.
Dr. Karan Raj, a second British doctor, published a video about the developing STI on his TikTok account, calling it “terrifying” and explaining the testing process.
The expert warnings have alarmed frightened Britons, with some resorting to social media to warn others not to Google Image the STD, while others joked that it was time to “go celibate.”