The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued an urgent alert over the growing threat posed by multiple infectious disease outbreaks currently spreading across the country.
In a statement published Friday on its official website, the agency warned that Nigeria is grappling with a surge in cholera cases, alongside emerging reports of yellow fever and dengue fever in several states. These developments come as the country continues to battle ongoing outbreaks of Mpox and diphtheria.
As of Epidemiological Week 26 (June 23–29, 2025), suspected cholera cases have been reported in 34 states, with Zamfara State accounting for 32 per cent of the total cases. Other high-burden states include Bayelsa, Adamawa, Delta, Lagos, and Rivers.
The NCDC emphasized that the current public health situation poses significant risks and demands immediate action from all stakeholders. “Urgent and coordinated interventions are necessary to curb further spread and loss of life,” the agency said.
Cholera, it explained, is a severe diarrhoeal illness caused by consuming contaminated food or water. It can lead to rapid dehydration and death if untreated. Yellow fever and dengue fever—both mosquito-borne viral diseases—are also on the rise. The NCDC confirmed seven cases of yellow fever across six states: Abia, Anambra, Edo, Ekiti, Lagos, and Rivers.
Though no deaths have been recorded, the agency noted that even a single confirmed yellow fever case is classified as an outbreak under international health regulations. It called on state governments to ramp up immunisation efforts, describing vaccination as the most effective form of prevention.
Similarly, a dengue fever outbreak was confirmed in Edo State between June 9 and 13, following laboratory investigations. Both yellow fever and dengue are transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, whose population is expanding due to poor sanitation and changing climate conditions.
Mpox (formerly Monkeypox), which mimics smallpox symptoms, and diphtheria, a bacterial infection affecting the respiratory tract, remain active threats in parts of the country.
To contain the spread, the NCDC has advised Nigerians to maintain good hygiene, avoid open defecation, treat drinking water, and eliminate mosquito breeding sites. It also urged the use of insecticide-treated nets and insect repellents, and warned against self-medication—particularly for febrile illnesses that resemble malaria.
“Symptoms of yellow fever and dengue can be easily mistaken for malaria, leading to delays in appropriate treatment,” it cautioned.
The Centre confirmed it is coordinating a national response alongside the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), state governments, and development partners. Response efforts include deploying rapid response teams, boosting laboratory and surveillance capacity, and enhancing risk communication and community engagement.
Health workers have been advised to maintain vigilance and report suspected cases, especially as dengue fever is now classified as a notifiable disease under Nigerian law.
“The time to act is now. Nigeria must step up efforts across all levels government, health sector, and communities to prevent further loss of lives,” the NCDC warned.