NCDC ISSUES NATIONWIDE ALERT ON CHOLERA, YELLOW FEVER, DENGUE FEVER AMID FLOOD RISKS
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a public health alert warning of an uptick in cholera, yellow fever, and dengue fever cases due to ongoing flooding across several parts of the country.
The alert, signed by NCDC Director General Dr. Jide Idris and titled “Protecting Public Health During Flood Season,”was released on Thursday amid warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) that 20 states, including Lagos, Sokoto, Edo, Benue, and Bayelsa, face imminent flood risks in July.
The NCDC noted that the current flood season could lead to widespread population displacement, contaminated water sources, and ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, factors that increase the risk of waterborne and vector-borne diseases. It specifically warned that floodwaters could wash harmful pathogens into rivers and lakes, heightening the spread of cholera, while stagnant water in flooded areas provides perfect conditions for mosquito-borne illnesses such as yellow fever and dengue fever.
According to the centre, Nigeria is already witnessing a rise in cholera cases, while confirmed instances of yellow fever and dengue fever have also emerged in several states. As of June 29, 2025, suspected cholera cases have been reported in 34 states, with Zamfara accounting for 32 per cent. Other affected states include Bayelsa, Adamawa, Delta, Lagos, and Rivers.
On yellow fever, the NCDC confirmed seven cases across six states Abia, Anambra, Edo, Ekiti, Lagos, and Rivers, while a dengue fever outbreak was reported in Edo State between June 9 and 13, confirmed through laboratory testing.
The agency said it is collaborating with state governments, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and international partners to contain outbreaks. Measures include enhanced surveillance, deployment of rapid response teams, mass vaccination drives, and distribution of treatment supplies.
The NCDC urged the public to stay alert and take preventive steps such as eliminating stagnant water, using insecticide-treated mosquito nets, getting vaccinated against yellow fever, and seeking medical attention at the first sign of symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pain, or swollen glands. It also cautioned against self-medication, as these symptoms can mimic malaria.
Healthcare workers have been advised to maintain a high index of suspicion for dengue fever and to report all suspected cases, as dengue is a notifiable disease under Nigerian law.
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