At least four people have died in Munya Local Government Area, Niger State, following a suspected outbreak of a mysterious disease believed to be Buruli ulcer.
The situation has prompted an oversight visit by the Niger State House of Assembly Committee on Health, Nutrition, and Primary Healthcare.
The Niger State House of Assembly Committee on Health, Nutrition, and Primary Healthcare, chaired by Hon. PK Nas, the lawmaker representing Paiko Local Government Area, visited affected communities in Munya Local Government Area to assess the extent of a suspected Buruli ulcer outbreak. The disease has so far affected 16 individuals across different age groups, with reports indicating that most victims are adolescents and adults.
Preliminary findings linked the four recorded deaths to complications from severe skin ulcers and delayed access to proper medical care. Health workers in the area, according to Crusaders Radio in Minna, noted that patients presented with large, destructive ulcers mostly on the limbs a symptom pattern consistent with Buruli ulcer, a neglected tropical disease.
Buruli ulcer is caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, a bacterium that releases toxins capable of destroying skin and soft tissue. If left untreated, the disease can lead to extensive wounds, permanent disability, and, in severe cases, death. Experts emphasize that early detection and timely treatment are critical to preventing fatalities.
During the oversight visit, lawmakers expressed concern over the deaths and the vulnerability of rural communities with limited healthcare infrastructure. They observed that primary healthcare centres in Munya Local Government Area lack the capacity to manage complicated cases of the disease effectively.
The committee stressed that the fatalities underscore the urgency of a coordinated response to contain the outbreak. Consequently, the Niger State House of Assembly has called on the state government to declare a public health emergency in Munya Local Government Area. Lawmakers also urged the immediate deployment of a multidisciplinary medical team including dermatologists, infectious disease specialists, and public health officers to investigate the outbreak, confirm diagnoses, and provide treatment to affected individuals.
They noted that proactive intervention could reduce mortality and prevent further spread of the disease. Beyond emergency measures, the Assembly highlighted the need for sustained preventive strategies, including improved disease surveillance, health education, and community-based interventions. Strengthening primary healthcare systems and increasing public awareness, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, are key to preventing Buruli ulcer and other neglected tropical diseases.
The World Health Organization provides technical support to countries combating Buruli ulcer, including assistance with surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment. Stakeholders emphasize that collaboration between the Niger State government, health agencies, and international partners will be critical in managing the outbreak and ensuring no additional deaths occur in Munya Local Government Area.