NCDC sounds alarm: Cholera, Yellow Fever surge hits Nigeria

By Abujah Racheal

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) issued an urgent alert on Friday, warning of multiple infectious disease outbreaks, including cholera, yellow fever, dengue fever, Mpox, and diphtheria, posing significant public health risks across Nigeria.

The agency called for immediate measures to curb the spread, as announced on its official website.

The NCDC reported that 34 states have recorded suspected cholera cases as of Epidemiological Week 26 (June 23–29, 2025), with Zamfara accounting for 32% of the caseload, followed by Bayelsa, Adamawa, Delta, Lagos, and Rivers.

“The situation demands heightened vigilance and intensified response efforts from all stakeholders,” the agency stated, noting that cholera, caused by Vibrio cholerae, leads to severe diarrhoea and rapid dehydration if untreated.

Yellow fever cases have emerged in six states—Abia, Anambra, Edo, Ekiti, Lagos, and Rivers—with seven confirmed cases.

“The yellow fever vaccine remains the most effective prevention strategy,” the NCDC emphasized, urging state governments to scale up immunization campaigns.

The agency also confirmed a dengue fever outbreak in Edo State between June 9 and 13, 2025, following laboratory investigations. Both diseases, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, are spreading due to poor sanitation and climate-related factors.

“Nigeria is already experiencing a rising incidence of cholera, while yellow fever and dengue fever are beginning to be detected in some states,” the NCDC noted, highlighting the strain of ongoing Mpox and diphtheria outbreaks.

Mpox presents with fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, while diphtheria causes severe throat infections and breathing difficulties.

To combat transmission, the NCDC urged citizens to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, use insecticide-treated nets, apply repellents, and avoid self-medication, as symptoms of dengue and yellow fever can mimic malaria.

The agency is coordinating a national response with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, state governments, and partners, deploying rapid response teams, enhancing surveillance, and boosting risk communication.

“Nigerians must act now to prevent further loss of lives,” the NCDC warned, calling for high hygiene standards, treated drinking water, and prompt medical attention for symptoms like severe diarrhoea, fever, or rash.

Health workers were advised to remain vigilant and report cases immediately, particularly for notifiable diseases like dengue.