The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has sounded the alarm over a wave of infectious disease outbreaks sweeping across the country, warning that Nigeria faces a serious public health crisis if urgent and coordinated action is not taken.
In an official alert released Friday via its website, the NCDC listed five major diseases currently surging across multiple states: cholera, dengue fever, Mpox, diphtheria, and yellow fever—all requiring immediate national attention.
According to the update covering epidemiological week 26 (June 23–29, 2025), suspected cholera cases have been reported in 34 states, with Zamfara State alone accounting for 32% of all cases. Other heavily affected states include Bayelsa, Adamawa, Delta, Lagos, and Rivers.
“The situation demands heightened vigilance and intensified response efforts from all stakeholders,” the agency warned.
Cholera, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, leads to severe diarrhoea, dehydration, and, in severe cases, death if untreated. The outbreak is being worsened by poor sanitation and unsafe drinking water.
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 thrives in areas with poor waste management and standing water.
Yellow fever itself has now been confirmed in Abia, Anambra, Edo, Ekiti, Lagos, and Rivers states, with seven cases verified as of the last report.
“The yellow fever vaccine remains the most effective prevention strategy,” the NCDC emphasized.
Ongoing cases of Mpox and diphtheria were also highlighted. Mpox presents with fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, while diphtheria causes painful throat infections and dangerous breathing difficulties.
The NCDC urged Nigerians to:
Eliminate mosquito breeding sites
Sleep under insecticide-treated nets
Use insect repellents
Maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene
Avoid self-medication
Seek medical testing promptly, especially as dengue and yellow fever symptoms often resemble malaria
As the threat level rises, health experts say public awareness, preventive behaviour, and swift government response will be critical in curbing the spread of these life-threatening diseases.