Buruli Ulcer Resurfaces in Adamawa, 23 Patients Hospitalized with Flesh-Eating Disease

A renewed outbreak of a serious flesh-eating skin disease, strongly suspected to be Buruli ulcer, has been reported in Adamawa State, with 23 patients currently receiving urgent medical care at the Yola Specialist Hospital. The confirmed patients include six women and two children.

Dependable NG reports that the fresh cases were tragically recorded in the Malabu District of the Fufore Local Government Area, the same community where a similar outbreak occurred barely a month ago.

The Adamawa State Epidemiologist, Stephen Kadabiu Jones, confirmed the alarming development, stating, “Yes, we brought them on Tuesday,” and describing the situation as “deeply concerning.” He confirmed that the health ministry has swiftly mobilised rapid response teams to the area to contain the spread of the disease and provide necessary medical intervention.

“We are monitoring the situation closely and ensuring that all affected persons receive the necessary care,” Jones added.

Buruli ulcer is a chronic, debilitating disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium ulcerans. It is known for progressing into severe, painless ulcers that destroy skin and soft tissue, making early detection and treatment crucial to preventing permanent disfigurement or long-term disability. The recurrence of the disease in the same community within weeks has raised significant concerns among public health officials about local environmental risk factors and the need for stricter containment measures.