NCDC 

The Federal Government has raised the alarm over fresh outbreaks of several infectious diseases across the country, warning that the situation poses significant public health risks if left unchecked.

In an alert issued on Friday through its official website, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) confirmed the resurgence of cholera, Mpox, diphtheria, dengue fever, and yellow fever in various states, calling for urgent national attention and coordinated response efforts.

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

According to the agency, suspected cases of cholera have been reported in 34 states, with Zamfara State alone accounting for 32 percent of the national caseload as of epidemiological week 26 (June 23–29, 2025). Other affected states include Bayelsa, Adamawa, Delta, Lagos, and Rivers.

Cholera, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, leads to acute diarrhoea and can cause death from dehydration if untreated.

The NCDC also confirmed an outbreak of dengue fever in Edo State between June 9 and 13, based on laboratory investigations. It noted that dengue and yellow fever—both transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes—are on the rise due to poor sanitation and changing climate conditions.

“Nigeria is already experiencing a rising incidence of cholera, while yellow fever and dengue fever are beginning to be detected in some states,” the agency added.

Yellow fever has been confirmed in Abia, Anambra, Edo, Ekiti, Lagos, and Rivers states, with seven verified cases so far. The NCDC emphasised that the yellow fever vaccine remains the most effective prevention tool and encouraged citizens to take advantage of routine immunisation services.

Meanwhile, the public health agency said mpox and diphtheria continue to pose threats across the country. Mpox presents with symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, while diphtheria is a highly contagious disease that causes throat infections and breathing difficulties.

To stem the spread, the NCDC advised Nigerians to

1. Maintain proper hygiene and sanitation practices
2. Eliminate stagnant water and other mosquito breeding sites
3. Sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets
4. Use mosquito repellents where necessary
5. Refrain from self-medication and seek timely medical testing
6. It also warned that symptoms of dengue and yellow fever can resemble malaria, stressing the importance of accurate testing for effective treatment.

The agency called on state governments, health workers, and the general public to remain alert and take proactive measures to prevent further escalation.