Benue State has in the recent years experienced an increased incidence of Buruli Ulcer, a disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. This is evidenced by the work of Dr Igbabul Shember-Agela, the former TB, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Program Manager.
Buruli Ulcer (Mycobacterium Ulcerans Infection) is caused by Mycobacterium and it belongs to the family of bacteria which causes tuberculosis and leprosy. While it is not clear how the disease come about, the key risk factors includes exposure to stagnant or slow-flowing water bodies by farmers and fishermen.
Buruli ulcer presents a wide range of symptoms which includes painless nodules and swelling at the onset, around the arms and legs or other parts of the body. Areas of infection can later develop into large ulcers.
Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial in minimizing its impact on morbidity and socio-economic aspects. Treatment involve the use of Rifampicin and Clarithromycin estimated by body weight for 8 weeks. Wound care is critical to prevent disability and ensure fast healing.
I was recently in the field and interacted with healthcare workers who are involved in the control program, and there is reported experience with several patients infected with Buruli Ulcer.
In communities, there is a belief that this disturbing issue is as a result of poison or witchcraft brought by relations within the nuclear or extended family. These accusations have torn families apart and created problems that could initiate larger crisis.
When such a patient dies, the response to perceived perpetrators cause psychological and physical harm.
There are instances where the mother of the patient is accused of bewitching the child with Buruli Ulcer and humiliated at funerals and stigmatized.
The Psychosocial implications of the disease is beyond the index case.
We need to mobilise resources and address this epidemic otherwise we will be facing family crisis of a large magnitude in the future.
We MUST support surveillance and behaviour change communication efforts to address Buruli Ulcer in our communities.
- Dr Terfa Kene is an Abuja-based Public Health Physician, Medical Statistician and Epidemiologist.
CEO/Team Lead, Ave Health Sense Limited.
teskene@yahoo.com
