Eight Dead As Suspected Buruli Ulcer Outbreak Hits Adamawa

Yola, Adamawa State– At least eight people have died in Malabu, a community in Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State, following the outbreak of a suspected Buruli ulcer disease.

The state Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Felix Tangwami, confirmed the fatalities on Wednesday, describing the situation as “deeply concerning.”

Dr. Suleiman Bashir, Chairman of the Adamawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, also confirmed the outbreak, disclosing that some victims are receiving treatment at the Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital (MAUTH), Yola.

According to him, specimens from affected patients have been sent to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Abuja for histology and further analysis.

“Results are expected in the next 10 days. We encourage victims to accept medical treatment rather than rely on traditional medicine,” Bashir said.

He explained that while 28 people had been identified with symptoms, only eight agreed to undergo medical care despite the state government covering treatment costs at MAUTH.

Tangwami added that samples have also been forwarded to the National Reference Laboratory for confirmation.

“Some of the surviving patients are currently receiving specialised treatment at Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital. Our medical team is working round the clock to stabilize their condition,” he said.

The commissioner noted that the state government, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, the World Health Organisation (WHO), and other development partners, has deployed emergency response teams, launched awareness campaigns, and supplied medical provisions to contain the outbreak.

He urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, stressing that while the fatalities are tragic, the situation is under control.

He further advised against unsafe traditional remedies, encouraging community members to maintain proper hygiene and report suspicious skin swellings or ulcers promptly.