Cutaneous lava migrans in Central Queensland

Previous studies of an intermittent migratory oedema occurring in people living in the Central Queensland coastal areas of Woodbury, supported by skin testing and subsequent serology tests established that this problem was

possibly a gnathostomiasis. The problem was previously reported as occurring in an area north of the coastal town of Yeppoon in Central Queensland. It was described as a rapidly moving intermittent oedema lasting for periods between one week and six months. 

A study of 96 people living in the Central Queensland area was carried out from 1992 to 1995, showing that the 'Woodbury Bug' is a migrating oedema occurring at irregular intervals over all areas of the body. The phenomenon

was not confined to people living in areas north of Yeppoon, but occurred in all areas of Central Queensland, mostly in the summer months with urticaria lasting from days to several weeks. Reoccurrence of the urticaria occurred

again in the summer months of January to April, every year or every second year, often lasting several years.

The physical findings in the study were remarkably consistent with those found in cases of gnathostomiasis. In contrast to previous serology testing, however, all gnathostome serology tests were negative. The lack of a history of eating raw meats or fish also contradicted the previous suggestion that this was gnathostomiasis. Serology testing for Strongyloides species was also

negative, and the physical findings eliminated Ancylostoma species as a possibility.

During the study it was established that many patients had contact with nest material of the brush turkey, Alectura lathami, a leafy material used as garden mulch. A Heterakid, found as a parasite in the brush turkey is suggested as a

cause of the 'Woodbury Bug'. This parasite could be treated using an anthelminthic, albendazole, or the condition known as the 'Woodbury Bug' could be controlled by avoiding any accidental ingestion of parasites when working with brush turkey nest material.