The Federal Government has launched urgent laboratory investigations to determine the exact cause of a mysterious flesh-eating disease that has claimed seven lives in Malabu, a remote community in Adamawa State.
Dr Adesigbin Olufemi, Acting National Coordinator of the National Tuberculosis, Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy Control Programme, disclosed the development in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.
As of 10 September, the outbreak had recorded 67 confirmed cases, with eight patients undergoing surgical intervention at Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital in Yola.
“These are undergoing surgical treatment with the support of the government,” Olufemi said, noting that a coordinated emergency response is underway to contain the outbreak.
Although the precise cause is yet to be confirmed, health authorities suspect the disease may be Buruli ulcer, a neglected tropical disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. The infection typically starts as a painless nodule or boil and progressively eats away skin and soft tissue, sometimes reaching bone.
“This tropical disease is still under investigation for confirmation,” Olufemi stated.
He explained that Mycobacterium ulcerans is commonly found in swampy or stagnant water environments, adding that the mode of transmission remains uncertain. Some studies suggest water-dwelling insects may play a role in spreading the bacterium.
“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 explained.
The outbreak response has been bolstered by the Adamawa State Government and health NGO REDAID, which deployed a team to the affected area on 14 September. Mild cases are being treated at local health centres, while more severe infections are referred to hospitals for surgical care.
Olufemi expressed concern over misconceptions within the community, noting that some residents initially attributed the illness to witchcraft, delaying proper treatment.
“One of the things that is very important, and that’s what we are doing, is to continue to create awareness,” he said. “We’re encouraging people to seek medical attention early.”
He highlighted the challenge posed by Malabu’s remote location—about two hours from Yola—and the poor state of road infrastructure, which has hindered emergency response efforts.
Addressing the need for long-term prevention, Olufemi stressed the importance of clean water and sanitation to reduce residents’ reliance on contaminated river sources.
“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 noted.
He assured Nigerians that the Federal Ministry of Health, Adamawa State Government, and international partners remain committed to treating affected individuals and preventing further spread.
Buruli ulcer is recognised by the World Health Organisation as one of the world’s most neglected tropical diseases, primarily affecting vulnerable populations in rural, riverine communities with limited access to healthcare.
