NCDC WARNS OF MULTIPLE INFECTIOUS DISEASE OUTBREAKS ACROSS NIGERIA

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Federal Government has raised an alert over the rising spread of several infectious diseases across Nigeria, warning that immediate action is necessary to prevent a national health crisis.

In a public health advisory issued Friday through its official website, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) confirmed outbreaks of cholera, dengue fever, Mpox, diphtheria, and yellow fever, stressing that the situation poses serious health risks to the population.

“The situation demands heightened vigilance and intensified response efforts from all stakeholders,” the agency said.

Cholera remains the most widespread, with suspected cases recorded in 34 states as of epidemiological week 26 (June 23–29, 2025). Zamfara State alone accounts for 32% of all reported cases. Other states with significant outbreaks include Bayelsa, Adamawa, Delta, Lagos, and Rivers.

Cholera, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, leads to severe diarrhoea and dehydration, and can be fatal without prompt treatment.

The NCDC also confirmed an outbreak of dengue fever in Edo State between June 9 and 13 following laboratory investigations. Like yellow fever, dengue is spread by Aedes mosquitoes and is being intensified by poor sanitation and climate-related factors.

Yellow fever has been confirmed in Abia, Anambra, Edo, Ekiti, Lagos, and Rivers States, with seven cases verified so far. The NCDC urged Nigerians to take advantage of the yellow fever vaccine, which remains the most effective form of prevention.

Mpox and diphtheria outbreaks also remain active threats. Mpox presents with fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, while diphtheria causes severe throat infections and difficulty in breathing.

The NCDC advised citizens to take preventive steps such as eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, sleeping under insecticide-treated nets, using mosquito repellents, maintaining good personal hygiene, and avoiding self-medication.

It also cautioned that the symptoms of yellow fever and dengue could resemble those of malaria, making timely diagnosis and treatment essential.

The agency called for heightened public awareness and coordinated response efforts to curb the spread of these diseases.