The Federal Government has launched investigations into the outbreak of a strange flesh-eating disease that has claimed seven lives in Malabu community, Adamawa State.
Dr. Adesigbin Olufemi, Acting National Coordinator of the National Tuberculosis, Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy Control Programme, confirmed the development in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.
According to him, 67 cases had been recorded as of September 10, with eight patients currently receiving surgical treatment at the Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital, Yola.
“These patients are undergoing surgical treatment with the support of government,” Olufemi said, noting that mild cases were being managed at local health centres while severe infections had been referred to specialised facilities.
He explained that although the exact cause of the disease had not been established, Buruli ulcer — a tropical infection caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans — was strongly suspected.
“This tropical disease is still under investigation for confirmation,” he said.
“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 added that the illness often begins with a boil, which later bursts and gradually destroys flesh and sometimes even the bones.
He praised the Adamawa State Government and non-governmental partner, REDAID, for their swift response, saying teams were deployed to the affected community on September 14.
“One of the things that is very important, and that’s what we are doing, is to continue to create awareness,” he stressed, pointing out that some residents initially attributed the outbreak to witchcraft, delaying medical care.
He described Malabu as a remote community, about two hours from Yola, with poor road access that has slowed down the emergency response.
Beyond medical care, Olufemi emphasised the need for long-term solutions such as access to clean water and improved sanitation in rural communities.
“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 explained.
The World Health Organisation classifies Buruli ulcer as one of the world’s most neglected tropical diseases, mainly affecting rural riverine populations with limited healthcare access.
Olufemi assured that both the state and federal governments, with the support of health partners, are committed to treating patients and halting further spread.
