The Federal Government has commenced investigations into a strange flesh-eating disease that has killed at least seven people in Malabu, a remote community in Adamawa State.
Dr. Adesigbin Olufemi, Acting National Coordinator of the National Tuberculosis, Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy Control Programme, confirmed the development in Abuja.
According to him, as of September 10, about 67 cases had been confirmed, with eight patients undergoing surgical treatment at the Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital (MAUTH), Yola.
He noted that the government, in collaboration with partner agencies, was supporting the surgical procedures.
The illness, which begins as a boil before bursting and gradually destroying flesh and in some cases damaging bones remains under investigation.
Health officials suspect it could be Buruli Ulcer, a tropical disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, a bacterium commonly found in swampy environments and stagnant riverine ecosystems.
“Up till now, nobody is sure exactly how it is transmitted.
Some theories suggest insects like water fleas or mosquitoes may play a role,” Olufemi explained.
He commended the Adamawa State Government and non-governmental partner REDAID for their prompt intervention. While patients with mild symptoms are receiving treatment at local health centres, severe cases have been referred to specialised hospitals.
Olufemi expressed concern over initial community reactions, noting that some residents attributed the disease to witchcraft, which delayed early medical response.
He stressed the importance of public awareness and urged affected residents to seek medical care promptly.
He also highlighted the challenges posed by Malabu’s poor road network and distance from Yola, which made swift medical response difficult.
Beyond treatment, he emphasised the need for improved sanitation and access to clean water to reduce exposure.
“People will not need to go to rivers to fetch water if they have pipe-borne or borehole water. That way, they are less exposed,” he said.
The World Health Organisation recognises Buruli Ulcer as one of the world’s most neglected tropical diseases, mostly affecting rural riverine communities with limited access to healthcare.