Buruli Ulcer breaks out in Eastern Region

Koforidua, Feb 22, GNA - Buruli Ulcer, a devastating bacterial infection on humans, has surfaced in some parts of the Eastern Region, especially communities within the catchment area of the Densu River.

One hundred and forty nine cases were recorded in 2010 mainly from communities in the Akuapem South, Suhum Kraboa Coaltar and a few from the Upper Manya districts.

Last year, 125 were recorded in parts of the region.

Dr George Bonsu, the Eastern Regional Deputy Director of Health Services, disclosed this in an interview with the GNA in Koforidua on Wednesday.

He said the disease was a problem mainly in communities in the Densu Basin, therefore, it was possible that parts of Greater Accra close to the Densu River would be affected.

Dr Bonsu said Buruli Ulcer is a disease of poverty that must be attended to with all the urgency and resources, adding that, children are the most affected victims with a severe implication on their education and socio-economic development generally.

He said the regional Directorate of the Health Services, as a prompt measure, had set up centers specifically for treating the disease while health workers in the endemic areas had been given training to enable them to handle the disease effectively.

Additionally, he said, the Health Directorate had embarked on an intensive education campaign on the symptoms of the disease to sensitize the public on the need to report early because early diagnosis required a simple surgery which involved removal of the nodules from developing into the ulcer.

Buruli Ulcer is a devastating bacterial infection disease that could lead to contractures and amputations of the limbs in humans, but early diagnosis could save one from complications with a simple surgery for the removal of the nodules to prevent it from spreading.

Dr Bonsu disclosed that the centres created for the treatment were in touch with the Noguchi Institute where samples from victims were sent for further laboratory test.

GNA