Map of Adamawa State
Federal Government has clarified that the unidentified flesh-eating disease claiming lives in Malabu, Adamawa State, is *not* Buruli Ulcer, as previously feared.
This confirmation comes after laboratory tests on 22 samples taken from infected individuals returned negative for *Mycobacterium ulcerans*, the bacterium responsible for Buruli Ulcer.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, Acting National Coordinator of the National Tuberculosis, Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy Control Programme, Dr. Adesigbin Olufemi, said:
“We have ruled out Buruli Ulcer based on lab results. What we’re dealing with now requires further investigation.”
With Buruli Ulcer off the table, health officials are now expanding their diagnostic scope. According to Dr. Olufemi, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), in collaboration with the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), has taken the lead in trying to pinpoint the true cause of the outbreak.
He suggested that the condition could be the result of other medical factors more common in agrarian communities, such as chronic trauma or poorly managed infections.
“We’re looking into other possible causes, including diabetic ulcers, venous ulcers, or trauma-related wounds. Even malignancies cannot be ruled out at this point,” he explained.
Although no additional deaths have been recorded since the initial report, the number of identified cases has risen from 67 to 82, a surge attributed to heightened community awareness and active case finding.
Dr. Olufemi noted:
“People are now coming forward because they recognize the symptoms, thanks to increased outreach and sensitization efforts.”
Back in September, the unexplained disease sparked nationwide concern after reports emerged of severe skin lesions that begin as small boils and rapidly deteriorate into deep, flesh-eating wounds — in some instances reaching the bone. Eight patients have so far undergone surgery at the Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital (MAUTH) in Yola.
Investigations are ongoing, and the Federal Government has pledged to continue monitoring and supporting affected communities as more is uncovered about the mysterious illness.
NAN
