The Adamawa State Government has confirmed the death of eight residents following an outbreak of a flesh-eating ulcer suspected to be Buruli ulcer in Malabu, Fufore Local Government Area.
State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Felix Tangwami, disclosed this in Yola on Tuesday evening, describing the development as “deeply concerning.”
According to Tangwami, samples from affected patients have been collected and dispatched to the National Reference Laboratory for further testing and confirmation of the disease.
“Some of the surviving patients are currently receiving specialised medical attention at the Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital, Yola,” he said, adding that health officials have intensified monitoring in Malabu to prevent further spread.
The commissioner assured residents that a medical team from his ministry is working round the clock to stabilise the condition of patients while emergency response measures have already been activated.
He further revealed that the Adamawa State Government is working in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, the World Health Organisation (WHO), and other development partners to contain the outbreak.
“Measures include immediate deployment of emergency response teams, awareness campaigns, and provision of medical supplies to the affected community,” Tangwami said.
He urged residents to maintain proper hygiene and promptly report any cases of unusual skin ulcers or swellings to health authorities for early intervention.
The Buruli ulcer, a neglected tropical disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, is known for its aggressive tissue-destroying effects and can lead to severe disabilities if not treated promptly.
