The signs

The first signs of Noma are:

• extremely painful small cuts (ulcerated lesions) inside the cheeks or on the gums which may bleed (ulceronecrotic gingivitis);
• bad breath;
• fever;
• loss of appetite.

 © BD "Juma et le Noma"



    © BD "Juma et le Noma"

At this stage, the disease can be checked with disinfecting mouth wash, a supply of vitamins and antibiotics, but Health care workers and traditional practitioners must also have the necessary knowledge. Winds of Hope focuses on this aspect by providing training to local health personnel.
Without treatment, an oedema appears a few days later in the mouth or the cheeks that soften, then swell. At this point, emergency medical attention is necessary. If the victim is not treated with antibiotics, the face becomes bloated and dark marks appear soon after. This is the warning sign that the tissues are starting to necrotize and deteriorate.

In just a matter of days, the necrosis destroys the flesh and often the bones as well. A scab forms and leaves a gaping hole in the face once it falls off. This is the end of the acute phase of the disease, at which point only surgery can repair the damage. 

    © BD "Juma et le Noma"