BREAKING: 28 Persons Infected As Rare Disease Hits Adamawa, Authorities Await Diagnosis

An epidemic has struck Adamawa State, as no fewer than 28 people have been identified with a rare disease that consumes human flesh and destroys the bones. 

Dr. Suleiman Bashir, the Chairman of the Adamawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, confirmed the outbreak to SaharaReporters on Saturday, disclosing that some of the victims were being treated at the Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital (MAUTH), Yola.

According to him, specimens from patients have been sent to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Abuja for histology and further analysis.

“Results are expected in the next 10 days. We encourage victims to accept medical treatment rather than rely on traditional medicine,” Bashir said.

The health official revealed that while 28 victims were identified, only eight agreed to undergo medical treatment despite the state government covering the costs at MAUTH.

He warned residents to promptly report any strange health conditions in their communities to prevent further spread.

The strange outbreak has been most pronounced in Malabu, a community in Fufore Local Government Area, where residents say the disease begins like a boil, then bursts and gradually eats into flesh, destroying bones underneath.

Mrs. Phibi Sabo, one of the victims, recounted her ordeal: “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 victim, Junaidu Adamu, said he has spent over N200,000 on medication in the last two months, yet his condition continues to deteriorate. 

The District Head of Malabu, Aliyu Hammawa, confirmed to SaharaReporters that no fewer than 30 persons had been affected.

He added that while eight patients were receiving care at MAUTH, others were still battling the condition at local facilities and in their homes.

This is not the first time Nigeria has been confronted with baffling or deadly disease outbreaks:

In 1996 – Kano Meningitis Epidemic had over 100,000 infected and thousands dead which led to the controversial Pfizer Trovan trial.

Also in 2010, there was lead poisoning in Zamfara in which a mysterious outbreak initially mistaken for malaria killed hundreds of children before being traced to artisanal mining.

2015 – Ondo Strange Skin Disease: Residents developed rashes and bleeding from the ears, nose, and mouth; later linked to pesticide contamination.

2014 – Ebola Virus: Nigeria earned global praise after swiftly containing the outbreak through aggressive contact tracing and public awareness.

2017 – Monkeypox Resurgence: Nigeria witnessed a re-emergence of the virus decades after it was last seen, spreading to multiple states.

Recurring – Lassa Fever & Cholera: Seasonal outbreaks continue to kill hundreds annually, highlighting weak surveillance and poor sanitation.

The Adamawa outbreak, now under investigation, rekindles concerns about the country’s preparedness to tackle emergent diseases and the widening gap between modern healthcare and traditional practices in rural communities.