Health officials in Adamawa State have confirmed an outbreak of Buruli ulcer in Malabu District, Fufore Local Government Area, raising significant public health concerns.
The disease, caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, has affected several residents, prompting an emergency response from the Adamawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ADSPHCDA).
According to the agency’s Executive Chairman, medical teams have been dispatched to the area to assess the situation, administer treatment, and curb the spread of the infection. Some patients have already been referred to Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital (MAUTH) in Yola for advanced medical care.
Buruli ulcer is a neglected tropical disease that leads to painful skin lesions which, if untreated, may result in severe tissue damage or permanent disability. Although often linked to contaminated water, its precise transmission route remains unclear.
Despite ongoing outreach efforts, some residents are reluctant to seek medical attention, attributing their symptoms to non-medical causes. Health experts warn that this hesitation could worsen the outbreak.
The ADSPHCDA is urging community members to cooperate with health workers and seek early treatment, noting that timely care significantly improves recovery outcomes. Meanwhile, public health sensitisation campaigns and containment measures are underway to promote awareness, encourage prompt diagnosis, and prevent new infections.
