Adamawa flesh-eating disease kills seven as Federal Government begins lab tests to confirm if Buruli ulcer is the cause of the outbreak

Dr Adesigbin Olufemi, Acting National Coordinator of the National Tuberculosis, Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy Control Programme, confirmed the figures in Abuja, noting that eight patients are undergoing surgical treatment at Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital in Yola.

Also read: Buruli Ulcer kills seven in Adamawa State

He explained that the illness, which often begins as a boil before breaking open and gradually destroying flesh and bone, is strongly suspected to be Buruli ulcer.

Caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, the disease is common in swampy, stagnant environments, though its exact mode of transmission remains unclear.

“Up till now, nobody is sure exactly how it is transmitted. Some theories suggest insects like water fleas or mosquitoes may inoculate individuals when they bite,” Olufemi said.

The Adamawa State Government, working with federal agencies and health partner REDAID, has mobilised teams since mid-September to treat patients.

While mild cases are being managed at local health centres, severe infections requiring surgery are being referred to specialist hospitals.

Officials emphasised public sensitisation as vital, after reports that some residents initially attributed the disease to witchcraft, delaying medical intervention.

Olufemi stressed that access challenges in remote Malabu, about two hours from Yola, have hampered rapid response.

He further noted that long-term prevention requires more than treatment, highlighting the need for clean water and improved sanitation to reduce exposure.

“People will not need to go to those rivers to fetch water if they have pipe-borne or borehole water around them. That way, they are less exposed,” he said.

The World Health Organisation lists Buruli ulcer among the world’s most neglected tropical diseases, largely affecting rural, riverine communities with poor access to healthcare.

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For now, authorities assure the public that all patients are receiving care and that investigations will continue until the precise cause of the Adamawa flesh-eating disease is confirmed.