The National Public Health Agency (NPHA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH), has confirmed an active outbreak of cutaneous ulcers caused by Haemophilus ducreyi in Bombali District, Northern Province, with children reported as the most affected group.
In a press release issued on Friday, health authorities said the outbreak was first detected on November 17, 2025, in Kayassic Community, Safroko Limba Chiefdom. Since then, the infection has spread to 27 communities within the chiefdom, raising public health concern, though officials maintained that the situation remains under control due to rapid response interventions.
Laboratory investigations have confirmed Haemophilus ducreyi as the causative agent responsible for the skin ulcer cases. As of December 24, 2025, a total of 267 suspected cases had been recorded, with 96 laboratory-confirmed infections. Health authorities disclosed that 150 individuals have fully recovered and no deaths have been reported so far.
The NPHA and MOH also confirmed that active follow-up is ongoing for 211 identified contacts as part of efforts to trace and contain possible transmission chains in affected communities.
According to officials, the outbreak is disproportionately affecting children between the ages of 5 and 15 years. Data from surveillance reports indicate that males account for about 56 percent of the recorded cases.
Clinical symptoms associated with the outbreak include painful, slow-healing skin ulcers, mostly affecting the arms and legs. Some patients have also presented with regional lymph node swelling, alongside mild constitutional symptoms. However, the health authorities noted that no severe cases requiring hospitalization have been recorded, suggesting that early detection and community-level interventions are helping to reduce complications.
Following confirmation of the outbreak, the NPHA said it has activated comprehensive public health response protocols to contain the infection and limit further spread. Measures currently underway include enhanced disease surveillance, expanded laboratory testing, community-based case identification and the delivery of appropriate clinical care at local health facilities for all affected individuals.
Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) efforts have also been strengthened in the affected areas. The response includes targeted training for healthcare workers and community members on proper hand hygiene, wound care management and safe medical waste handling. Environmental decontamination activities are being carried out in communities reporting cases, while patient isolation is being implemented where necessary within healthcare settings to reduce risk of transmission.
The NPHA and Ministry of Health have urged the public, particularly communities in Bombali, to remain vigilant and cooperate with health officials as response teams continue follow-up activities. Members of the public have been advised to report suspicious skin lesions promptly to the nearest health facility, avoid sharing personal items such as towels and clothing, and maintain high standards of personal and environmental hygiene.
Health authorities also stressed the importance of regular handwashing and proper wound care, while encouraging citizens to comply strictly with medical advice and instructions from healthcare workers and community health volunteers.
Reassuring the public, the NPHA and MOH stated that the outbreak is currently under control, attributing the progress to timely reporting, strengthened surveillance and community cooperation. They further pledged to provide regular updates as the situation evolves.
The statement was signed by Brigadier General Professor Foday Sahr, Executive Director of the National Public Health Agency.
