Health authorities in Adamawa State have confirmed an outbreak of a rare and dangerous disease that eats away human flesh and destroys bones, leaving communities in fear.

Dr. Suleiman Bashir, Chairman of the Adamawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, revealed that 28 people have been infected, with specimens from patients already sent to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Abuja for further analysis. Results are expected within 10 days.

Despite the state government covering medical expenses, only eight victims have accepted treatment at the Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital (MAUTH), Yola. Many others continue to rely on traditional medicine or remain untreated.

According to reports, the outbreak is worst in Malabu, Fufore Local Government Area, where residents say the disease begins as a small boil, bursts open, and gradually eats into the flesh, eventually damaging bones.

One victim, Mrs. Phibi Sabo, shared her ordeal: “It started as a boil, then it burst and left me with an open wound that has now destroyed my leg bones.” Another patient, Junaidu Adamu, said he had spent over ₦200,000 on treatment in the past two months without healing.

The District Head of Malabu, Aliyu Hammawa, confirmed that at least 30 people in the community have been affected, with some receiving care at MAUTH while others remain in local health facilities or at home.

Dr. Bashir urged residents to seek proper medical care and promptly report any strange health conditions, stressing that reliance on traditional medicine could worsen the situation.

The outbreak has once again highlighted Nigeria’s struggle with emerging health threats and the need to bridge the gap between modern healthcare and rural communities.