Health authorities in Adamawa State have confirmed an outbreak of Buruli ulcer in Malabu District, Fufore Local Government Area, sparking public health concerns across the community.

The outbreak, caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, has already affected several residents and prompted an urgent response from the Adamawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ADSPHCDA).

According to the agency’s Executive Chairman, medical teams have been deployed to the affected area to conduct assessments, provide treatment, and contain the spread of the disease.

Several patients have been referred to the Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital (MAUTH) in Yola for specialised care.

Buruli ulcer is a neglected tropical disease that causes large, painful skin ulcers and, if left untreated, can lead to severe tissue damage and permanent disability.

While the infection is often linked to contaminated water sources, its exact mode of transmission remains under investigation.

Authorities disclosed that, despite medical outreach efforts, some residents remain hesitant to accept treatment, attributing the symptoms to non-medical causes. This reluctance has raised fears that the outbreak could spread further if not addressed urgently.

Public health officials are urging residents to cooperate with health workers and seek early treatment. “The earlier the treatment, the better the outcome,” the agency stressed.

In response, containment measures and public health sensitisation campaigns are ongoing to educate the community, encourage early diagnosis, and prevent further infections. (The Guardian)