At least eight people have been confirmed dead in Malabu, Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State, following an outbreak of a suspected Buruli ulcer disease.
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Felix Tangwami, confirmed the fatalities on Wednesday, describing the development as “deeply concerning.”
Officials said 28 suspected cases have so far been identified. Some patients are receiving treatment at Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital (MAUTH), Yola, while specimens have been sent to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Abuja for further analysis. Results are expected within 10 days.
Dr. Suleiman Bashir, Chairman of the Adamawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, said only eight of the affected patients have agreed to treatment despite government covering medical costs.
Tangwami explained that emergency response teams have been deployed in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other partners.
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He said awareness campaigns and medical supplies have been rolled out to contain the outbreak.
“Some of the surviving patients are currently receiving specialised treatment at MAUTH. Our medical team is working round the clock to stabilise their condition,” Tangwami said.
The commissioner advised residents against traditional treatments and urged them to maintain hygiene and promptly report suspicious skin swellings or ulcers.