The National Public Health Agency (NPHA), working together with the Ministry of Health, has confirmed an outbreak of cutaneous ulcers in Bombali District, Northern Province. The outbreak is caused by a bacterium known as Haemophilus ducreyi, according to a press release issued on 9 January 2026.
The disease was first detected on 17 November 2025 in Kayassie Community, Safroko Limba Chiefdom. Since then, it has spread to 27 communities within the chiefdom, mainly affecting children.
As of 24 December 2025:
267 suspected cases have been recorded
96 cases have been confirmed by laboratory tests
150 people have fully recovered
No deaths have been reported
211 contacts are currently being followed up by health workers
Most of the affected people are children between the ages of 5 and 15 years, with boys making up about 56 percent of the cases.
Health officials say no severe cases have been recorded, and none of the patients has needed hospital admission.
What is Haemophilus ducreyi?
Haemophilus ducreyi is a bacterium best known for causing chancroid, a sexually transmitted infection. However, in many tropical countries, including parts of Africa and the Pacific, the same bacterium can also cause non-sexual skin ulcers, especially in children.
These ulcers usually appear on the arms, legs, or feet. They are often painful, heal slowly, and may be linked to poor hygiene, small cuts on the skin, and close contact among children. Swollen lymph nodes near the affected area are also common.
Globally, Haemophilus ducreyi is estimated to cause **hundreds of thousands of skin ulcer cases each year**, especially in rural and low-income communities. The disease is most common in areas where access to clean water, proper wound care, and healthcare services is limited.
According to health officials, common signs include:
Painful open sores on the skin
Slow-healing wounds
Swelling of nearby lymph nodes
Mild body weakness or discomfort
Parents and guardians are advised to take children with any unusual skin sores to the nearest health facility, as early treatment helps prevent spread.
The NPHA says it has already activated a full public health response, which includes:
Increased disease surveillance and laboratory testing
Free treatment and care at local health facilities
Training of health workers and communities on proper hygiene and wound care
Cleaning and decontamination of affected environments
Isolation of patients where necessary to stop further spread
Health teams are also educating communities on handwashing, safe wound cleaning, and avoiding the sharing of personal items such as towels and clothing.
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The Ministry of Health and the NPHA urge the public to:
Report any suspicious skin sores immediately
Keep wounds clean and covered
Avoid sharing personal items
Practice regular handwashing
Follow advice from health workers and community volunteers
Health authorities say the outbreak is **under control**, but they stress that continued cooperation from communities is key to stopping further spread.
Regular updates will be shared as the situation develops.
