Buruli ulcer in Ghana: results of a national case search

Abstract

A national search for cases of Buruli ulcer in Ghana identified 5,619 patients, with 6,332 clinical lesions at various stages. The overall crude national prevalence rate of active lesions was 20.7 per 100,000, but the rate was 150.8 per 100,000 in the most disease-endemic district. The case search demonstrated widespread disease and gross underreporting compared with the routine reporting system. The epidemiologic information gathered will contribute to the design of control programs for Buruli ulcer.

Figure 1

Buruli ulcer on left ankle.

Figure 2

Healed Buruli lesions with scarring, right forearm and left knee.

Figure 3

Prevalence of suspected active cases of Buruli ulcer, by region, Ghana, 1999.