A rare disease outbreak has been reported in Adamawa State, Nigeria, with at least 28 people infected. The disease, which causes flesh to decay and bones to deteriorate, has prompted concern about the country’s ability to respond to emerging health crises.
According to Dr. Suleiman Bashir, Chairman of the Adamawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, specimens from affected patients have been sent to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Abuja for further analysis. The results are expected within 10 days. While 28 cases have been identified, only eight victims have accepted medical treatment at the Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital (MAUTH) in Yola, despite the state government covering the costs.
The outbreak is most pronounced in the Malabu community, located in the Fufore Local Government Area. Residents describe the disease as starting with a boil that eventually bursts and eats away at the flesh, causing bone damage. One of the victims, Mrs. Phibi Sabo, recounted how the disease began as a boil before leaving her with an open wound that destroyed her leg bones. Another patient, Junaidu Adamu, said he has spent over N200,000 on treatment in the last two months without recovering.
The District Head of Malabu, Aliyu Hammawa, reported that at least 30 people have been affected, with some receiving care at MAUTH while others remain in local facilities or at home. The medical expert urged residents to seek proper treatment instead of relying on traditional medicine and to report any unusual health conditions in their communities promptly.
The outbreak highlights the need for improved healthcare infrastructure and awareness in rural areas, where traditional practices often coexist with modern medicine. As the situation continues to unfold, health officials are working to contain the outbreak and provide adequate care to those affected. The NCDC’s analysis of the specimens is expected to provide crucial insights into the disease, enabling more effective response and treatment strategies.
