Buruli ulcer disease (WER 7720)

Overview

Buruli ulcer is a neglected disease that is under-recognized and under-reported. Since 1980, the disease has emerged as an important cause of human suffering. It is found in tropical rural areas, often near stagnant bodies of water. Although mortality is low, morbidity is high and there is disability associated with the disease. Currently, treatment is surgical and expensive. This disease has been re-ported in at least 18 African countries and this first article summarizes the Buruli ulcer situation in 4 of them.