Cases and Conditions / Buruli Ulcer / Akua Bawaa

Case: Akua Bawaa, from Amasaman District, near Accra

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In 2003 when she was 7, doctors thought that Akua's badly affected hand would have to be amputated.

When we met her again in July 2004, her hand had been saved although its function is now minimal.

M ulcerans bacteria are persistent and migrate through the body. Unfortunately it has become active again in her left leg.

There is no known antibiotic to treat Buruli ulcer and its lesions.

The damage and hopefully all the bacteria will be removed by the surgeon's knife.