The federal authorities have initiated laboratory analyses to uncover the origins of a perplexing flesh-eating illness responsible for seven fatalities in Malabu, located in Adamawa State.
Dr. Adesigbin Olufemi, the Acting National Coordinator for the National Tuberculosis, Buruli Ulcer, and Leprosy Control Programme, shared this update during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday.
He reported that as of September 10, 67 individuals had been diagnosed with the condition, with eight patients currently undergoing surgical procedures at Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital in Yola.
“These surgeries are being conducted with government funding,” Olufemi noted, emphasizing that a coordinated response strategy is actively being implemented to curb the outbreak.
The illness often starts as a small boil that eventually ruptures and progressively destroys the skin and underlying tissues, sometimes extending to the bones. While the definitive cause remains unconfirmed, medical experts are considering Buruli ulcer as a likely culprit.
“This tropical infection is still under thorough examination for a conclusive diagnosis. Buruli ulcer is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium ulcerans, commonly found in swampy areas and stagnant water bodies. The exact transmission route is unclear, but insects such as water fleas or mosquitoes are suspected vectors,” Olufemi explained.
He praised the Adamawa State Government for its prompt intervention and acknowledged the support from federal agencies and a non-governmental organization that dispatched a response team to the affected region on September 14.
Olufemi highlighted that patients exhibiting mild symptoms are being treated at local clinics, whereas those with severe manifestations requiring surgical intervention have been referred to specialized medical centers. He also expressed concern that superstitions related to witchcraft initially hindered timely medical treatment in some cases.
“A key part of our efforts involves ongoing public education,” he stated, urging community members to seek medical attention promptly.
Olufemi further mentioned that Malabu’s remote location-approximately two hours from Yola with limited road infrastructure-complicates emergency response efforts. He stressed that sustainable solutions must also focus on improving water supply and sanitation facilities.
“If residents had reliable access to clean water through boreholes or piped systems, they wouldn’t need to rely on river water, thereby reducing their risk of exposure,” he said.
He reassured the public that federal and state governments, alongside their partners, remain dedicated to delivering treatment and preventing further transmission of the disease.
The World Health Organization (WHO) categorizes Buruli ulcer as one of the most overlooked tropical diseases globally, predominantly impacting rural and riverine communities.
