At least eight people have been confirmed dead following a suspected outbreak of Buruli ulcer in Malabu, a rural community in the Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Felix Tangwami, made the announcement yesterday while briefing journalists in Yola.
He said the development has raised serious concern within the government, stressing that several other patients are currently receiving intensive care at Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital.
According to Tangwami, medical samples have been collected from affected individuals and sent to the National Reference Laboratory for confirmation.
“We are taking no chances. Early detection and proper diagnosis are crucial to stopping the spread,” he explained.
He disclosed that the Malabu community has been placed under strict health surveillance to reduce further transmission.
“Our surveillance teams are on the ground to track any new infections and ensure quick medical response,” Tangwami added.
The commissioner assured that the state government, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health, the World Health Organisation (WHO), and other health partners, is moving swiftly to contain the outbreak.
“Our medical teams are working around the clock to stabilise patients and deliver the care they urgently need,” he said.
Emergency response units, he noted, have already been deployed with additional medical supplies, while awareness campaigns are being rolled out to educate residents on preventive measures.
Tangwami urged the people of Adamawa to remain calm, maintain strict personal hygiene, and report any suspicious sores or infections to the nearest healthcare centre.
“We strongly discourage the use of local or traditional remedies, as these can worsen the condition and increase the risk of complications,” he warned.
Health experts say Buruli ulcer, a bacterial infection that affects the skin and sometimes bone, can lead to permanent disfigurement if not treated early.
Its exact mode of transmission is not fully understood, but health authorities emphasise early reporting and medical care as the best defence.