The Adamawa State Government has confirmed that eight people have died from an outbreak of a flesh-eating skin disease, which is suspected to be buruli ulcer.
The State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Felix Tangwami, said the deaths happened in Malabu, a community in Fufore Local Government Area, where people were infected with the suspected disease.
Speaking to journalists in Yola, Tangwami said the situation is very worrying. However, he explained that samples from the infected people have been sent to the National Reference Laboratory to find out exactly what the disease is.
While waiting for the test results, health workers are closely watching the Malabu community to help stop the disease from spreading.
The commissioner added that some of the survivors are currently receiving special medical treatmentat Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital in Yola.
He also said that a medical team from the Health Ministry is working day and night to help stabilize the patients’ health.
Tangwami reassured the people of Adamawa that the state government is working with the Federal Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other health partners to control the outbreak.
He said they have taken steps like sending emergency response teams, running awareness campaigns, and providing medical supplies to the affected area.
The commissioner advised everyone to maintain good hygiene and to quickly report any unusual skin ulcers or swellings they notice on themselves or others.
