The Buruli ulcer has reared its ugly head within the Malabu space of Adamawa State, North-East Nigeria, the place no fewer than 60 residents have been confirmed affected by the dreaded illness.
The uncared for flesh-eating tropical pores and skin illness is silently claiming lives and leaving many with painful and disfiguring wounds.
In accordance with studies, buruli ulcer has lingered for practically two years, however instances have considerably elevated over the past three months, prompting considerations from the Federal Authorities, well being authorities, and native leaders.
As of September 10, 2025, there are 67 confirmed instances, with eight sufferers present process surgical remedy on the Modibbo Adama College Instructing Hospital (MAUTH), Yola, the state capital.
Whereas sicknesses similar to malaria, cholera, and Lassa fever are fairly frequent in Nigeria, many voters are unaware of the flesh-eating illness, regardless that it’s simply as lethal if left untreated.
What’s Buruli Ulcer?
The World Well being Organisation (WHO) defines Buruli ulcer as a power pores and skin illness brought on by the bacterium Mycobacterium ulcerans. The bacterium produces a toxin that causes pores and skin harm, and the precise toxin is answerable for tuberculosis and leprosy.
Buruli ulcer primarily impacts the pores and skin and delicate tissue, initially presenting as a painless swelling that seems innocent. Nonetheless, don’t be deceived; if untreated, the swelling can burst into a big ulcer that eats deeply into the flesh, generally exposing the bone.
Sadly, the victims are sometimes left with everlasting incapacity, deformity, or, in extreme instances, demise.
Causes of Buruli Ulcer
The buruli ulcer is brought on by a mycobacterium known as ulcerans. This similar bacterium is answerable for tuberculosis and leprosy. It’s so brutal that, with out the right remedy, it might probably depart your pores and skin completely deformed.
Though the precise mode of contracting the illness continues to be unknown, it might probably manifest inside a couple of days, both by mosquito bites or contact with bugs present in water, affecting people.
In accordance with WebMD, there isn’t a proof to counsel that an contaminated animal can transmit Buruli ulcer to people. Lab testing in Australia has proven that horses, alpacas, koalas, possums, and canine can develop the situation.
Indicators and Signs of Buruli Ulcer
Buruli ulcer typically begins as a painless swelling; generally, you could assume the swelling is only a mosquito or spider chunk. Over time, between one and two months, the swollen space might change or really feel completely different, and different related signs might start to seem.
Pores and skin swelling, broken pores and skin, broken delicate tissue, and rising ulcers are frequent signs.
If the pores and skin turns into contaminated, you could expertise the next:
-
Fever
-
Swelling and raised lumps
-
Thickened flat areas in your pores and skin
-
Localised ache
Can Buruli Ulcer be handled?
The reply to that is completely sure. The excellent news is that Buruli ulcer is curable, particularly when detected early.
When detected early, a mixture of antibiotics prescribed to a affected person for over eight weeks has confirmed efficient. In superior instances, surgical procedure and pores and skin grafting could also be wanted. Early detection can stop extreme deformity of limbs and, most significantly, save lives.
Myths and Misconceptions
Identical to different uncared for illnesses, buruli ulcer is surrounded by myths and misconceptions, which embrace the next:
-
“It’s brought on by curses or witchcraft.”
-
“It’s going to heal by itself if you happen to apply herbs or scorching compress.”
-
“Solely soiled individuals get it.”
The reality is, scientists and well being consultants are nonetheless learning and analysing precisely the way it spreads. Most proof hyperlinks it to swampy and tropical environments, contaminated water our bodies, and bug bites.
It has nothing to do with curses or private hygiene; making use of herbs to the affected space isn’t the treatment. In the event you or somebody is experiencing signs or indicators, search fast medical look after immediate remedy.
Buruli ulcer might not make every day headlines like cholera or malaria, however it’s silently killing residents in Adamawa State. Realizing the indicators and signs goes a good distance in stopping additional transmission, decreasing the chance of future outbreaks and most significantly, stopping demise.
