… as NCDC probes outbreak
A strange epidemic has hit Adamawa State, leaving at least 28 people infected with a rare disease that eats away at human flesh and destroys bones, igniting fresh fears about Nigeria’s readiness to confront emerging health crises.
The Chairman of the Adamawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Suleiman Bashir, confirmed the outbreak to journalists on Saturday, disclosing that several patients are currently receiving treatment at the Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital (MAUTH), Yola.
According to him, samples from the affected individuals have been sent to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Abuja, for histology and advanced laboratory analysis.
Low Acceptance of Medical Care
Despite the government covering all costs of treatment at MAUTH, only eight victims have agreed to undergo medical care. Many others, driven by poverty, fear, or cultural beliefs, have turned to traditional medicine and local healers.
Dr. Bashir warned that this could worsen the situation, stressing the need for residents to report unusual health conditions promptly to curb further spread.
Victims’ Accounts: “It Started Like a Boil”
The outbreak has been most severe in Malabu community, Fufore Local Government Area, where locals describe the disease as beginning with a small boil that later bursts, forming a festering wound that eats into flesh and bone.
One victim, Mrs. Phibi Sabo, narrated her ordeal:
Another patient, Junaidu Adamu, said he had already spent more than ₦200,000 in two months seeking treatment, but his condition had only deteriorated.
Community Confirms Widespread Infection
The District Head of Malabu, Aliyu Hammawa, confirmed that no fewer than 30 residents had shown symptoms of the strange illness. He added that while eight patients were admitted to MAUTH, others were receiving care in smaller facilities or being treated at home.
Nigeria’s Troubled History with Mysterious Outbreaks
The Adamawa outbreak has rekindled national concern about Nigeria’s preparedness for sudden epidemics, especially in rural areas where reliance on traditional medicine is high.
Nigeria has a history of puzzling and deadly outbreaks:
1996 – Kano Meningitis Epidemic: Over 100,000 infected, thousands dead; led to the controversial Pfizer Trovan trial.
2010 – Zamfara Lead Poisoning: Hundreds of children died from contamination linked to artisanal mining.
2015 – Ondo “Strange Skin Disease”: Victims suffered rashes, ear and nose bleeding; traced to pesticide exposure.
2014 – Ebola Virus: Nigeria successfully contained the outbreak through rapid contact tracing and awareness campaigns, earning global praise.
2017 – Monkeypox Resurgence: Virus re-emerged after decades, spreading to multiple states.
Recurring Outbreaks: Lassa fever and cholera epidemics still kill hundreds annually due to weak health surveillance and poor sanitation.
Growing Concerns Over Preparedness
Public health experts warn that the Adamawa outbreak highlights gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly in early detection, rural health infrastructure, and public trust in modern medicine.
While the NCDC continues its investigations, the state government has urged vigilance, early reporting, and stronger collaboration between medical professionals and communities to prevent the disease from spreading further.