Strange flesh-eating disease hits Adamawa, seven killed, 67 additional cases confirmed

A strange flesh-eating disease has been uncovered in Malabu community, Adamawa State, which as at the time of filing this report has killed seven people, and as at September 10, 2025, there were 67 confirmed cases

Penpushing reports that the cause was yet to be established, while Buruli Ulcer is suspected, however, the federal government is said to have commenced laboratory investigations to determine the exact cause.

The Acting National Coordinator of the National Tuberculosis, Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy Control Programme, Adesigbin Olufemi, confirmed this on Sunday adding that eight patients undergoing surgical treatment at the Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital (MAUTH), Yola.

Penpushing further reports that Olufemi emphasised the coordinated efforts to manage the medical emergency in affected communities, adding that this tropical disease is still under investigation for confirmation

“This tropical disease is still under investigation for confirmation. Up till now, nobody is sure exactly how it is transmitted. Some theories suggest insects like water fleas or mosquitoes may inoculate individuals when they bite’, he said.

Penpushing also reports that he explained that Buruli Ulcer is caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, a bacterium commonly found in swampy environments and around stagnant riverine ecosystems.

The coordinator praised the proactive response of the Adamawa State Government, alongside support from federal agencies and non-governmental partner REDAID, stressing that patients with mild symptoms were being treated at local health centres, while severe cases requiring surgery had been referred to specialised hospitals.

Penpushing reports that he pointed out that public sensitisation is key, especially as some residents initially blamed the disease on witchcraft, leading to delays in seeking proper treatment.

The coordinator advised residents to seek medical care early, emphasizing that was one of the things that is very important, which the government is doing, and will to continue to create awareness.

Penpushing further reports Olufemi noted that Malabu is a remote community, located about two hours from Yola, with poor road access, making swift medical response more difficult, explaining that long-term health security requires more than medical care.

‘It also includes access to clean water and improved sanitation in rural communities. People will not need to go to those rivers to fetch water if they have pipe-borne or borehole water around them. That way, they are less exposed,” he explained.

Penpushing also reports that he assured the public that the federal and state governments, supported by health partners, remain committed to treating patients and curbing further transmission.

Meanwhile, findings showed that the disease often begins as a boil, later bursts, and then gradually eats away flesh, sometimes damaging the bones in the affected area, while record equally showed that the World Health Organisation(WHO) recognises Buruli Ulcer as one of the world’s most neglected tropical diseases, mostly affecting rural, riverine communities with limited access to healthcare. .

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