Suspected Buruli Ulcer Outbreak: 8 Due, Adamawa Govt Takes Proactive Measures

By; TINA PHINEAS, Yola

Following the outbreak of suspected case of Buruli ulcer, the Adamawa State Government has confirmed the death of eight residents.

Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Felix Tangwami, said that the eight people died in Malabu, Fufore Local Government Area, where they were inflicted.

According to him, samples from the affected patients have already been collected and dispatched to the National Reference Laboratory for further testing and confirmation of the disease.

The commissioner said while awaiting the laboratory results, health officials have placed Malabu on close monitoring to prevent spread.

“Some of the surviving patients are currently receiving specialised medical attention at the Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital, Yola,” the commissioner said.

He assured that a medical team from his ministry is working round the clock to stabilize the condition of the patients.

Tangwami further assured Adamawa people that the state government is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Health, the World Health Organisation (WHO), and other development partners in taking proactive steps to contain the situation.

“Measures include immediate deployment of emergency response teams, awareness campaigns, and provision of medical supplies to the affected community,” he said.

New Nigerian reports that Buruli ulcer is a skin disease caused by a bacterium (_Mycobacterium ulcerans_). It leads to painful ulcers, often on arms or legs, and can cause disability if not treated.