The federal government has urged Nigerians to promptly report unusual signs of chronic ulcers to health facilities for early diagnosis and treatment, following 82 suspected cases in Adamawa.

Adesigbin Olufemi, acting national coordinator of the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy & Buruli Ulcer Control Programme, said this in an interview on Friday in Abuja.

Mr Olufemi said that the suspected cases were reported in Malabu and Fufore local government areas, where patients with chronic ulcers mostly have limbs affected, and in a few cases, the face.

“Although the lesion presentations may appear consistent with Buruli ulcer, there is a need for diagnostic confirmation,” he said.

He revealed that the results of 22 samples taken from the ulcers had returned negative for Buruli ulcer, adding that there were other common causes of chronic leg ulcers in the tropics, such as diabetes, hypertension, trauma, and venous ulcers.

According to him, the affected areas are marshy and hard to reach, which makes surveillance and access to treatment challenging.

Mr Olufemi added that a team from AFENET and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control was already on the ground and continuing investigations.

He stated that the NTBLCP, in collaboration with partners including REDAID, was supporting the state in providing care.

“Some patients are receiving surgical treatment at the Modibbo Adama Teaching Hospital, Yola, while others are undergoing daily wound dressing in the community,” he said, adding that no deaths have been recorded.

Mr Olufemi described Buruli ulcer as a neglected tropical disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, which can lead to severe skin and soft tissue destruction, with a risk of permanent disability if untreated.

He also advised Nigerians on ways to protect themselves, including avoiding swimming or wading in stagnant or marshy water where bacteria may thrive and wearing protective clothing such as boots and gloves when working in swampy environments.

He further noted the importance of good hygiene, including the prompt cleaning of any cuts or wounds to prevent infection.

Mr Olufemi urged people to seek immediate medical care if they develop persistent or unusual ulcers on the body. He reassured the public that the situation was under control.

“We urge communities not to panic. Investigations are ongoing, and with the support of our partners, every suspected case will receive the necessary medical attention. Early reporting is key to saving lives and preventing complications,” he said.

He appealed to Nigerians to avoid self-treatment of chronic ulcers and instead seek professional medical care to improve outcomes and reduce complications.

(NAN)