Mycobacterium ulcerans Disease (Buruli Ulcer) in Rural Hospital, Southern Benin, 1997–2001

Data from 1,700 patients living in southern Benin were collected at the Centre Sanitaire et Nutritionnel Gbemoten, Zagnanado, Benin, from 1997 through 2001. Comparing detection rates of Buruli ulcer (BU) in the Zou Region with those of leprosy and tuberculosis in 1999 shows a higher rate for BU (21.5/100,000) than for leprosy (13.4/100,000) and tuberculosis (20.0/100,000). More than 13% of the patients had osteomyelitis. Delay in seeking treatment declined from 4 months in 1989 to 1 month in 2001, and median hospitalization time decreased from 9 months in 1989 to 1 month in 2001. This reduction is attributed, in part, to implementing an international cooperation program, creating a national BU program, and making advances in patient care