A rare and alarming outbreak has emerged in Adamawa State, with at least 28 individuals diagnosed with a mysterious disease that eats into human flesh and destroys bone. The outbreak has raised serious health concerns as authorities scramble to contain the spread.
Dr. Suleiman Bashir, Chairman of the Adamawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, confirmed the outbreak, stating that several patients are receiving treatment at the Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital (MAUTH) in Yola. He added that specimens from affected individuals have been sent to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Abuja for histology analysis and further diagnostic testing. “Results are expected in the next 10 days. We encourage victims to accept medical treatment rather than rely on traditional medicine,” Dr. Bashir urged.
Although all identified victims are eligible for treatment at MAUTH at no cost, only eight have opted for formal medical care so far, with many still relying on traditional remedies.
The outbreak appears most concentrated in Malabu, a community situated within Fufore Local Government Area. Local residents described how the disease begins as a painful boil, which bursts and then gradually consumes flesh and underlying bone.
One victim, Mrs. Phibi Sabo, recounted her experience:
“It started like a boil with pains, later got swollen and burst, then began to eat up the flesh on my leg, damaging the bones and causing serious pain. This has left me with an open wound. I can’t explain what is happening to me, though I have visited the hospital and received medication.”
Another affected individual, Junaidu Adamu, has already spent over ₦200,000 on treatment in the past two months without any improvement in his condition.
Alhaji Aliyu Hammawa, District Head of Malabu, provided further insight into the scale of the outbreak, stating that no fewer than 30 individuals have been affected in the community. He confirmed that eight of them are receiving treatment at MAUTH, while others continue to be treated at local health facilities or remain at home.
Authorities are appealing to residents to report any unusual health symptoms promptly, in order to prevent further spread and enable timely intervention.
