Disease prevention is failing, NCDC alerts Nigerians

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, has sounded a critical alarm over the simultaneous outbreak of multiple infectious diseases across the country, warning of heightened public health threats if swift and coordinated actions are not taken.

The agency disclosed on its official website on Friday that the country is witnessing a dangerous convergence of disease outbreaks including cholera, yellow fever, dengue fever, Mpox (Monkeypox), and diphtheria.

The NCDC emphasized that the evolving situation demands urgent interventions at both national and subnational levels.

As of Epidemiological Week 26, (June 23–29, 2025), suspected cholera cases have been reported in 34 states, with Zamfara State alone contributing 32% of the total caseload.

Other significantly affected states include Bayelsa, Adamawa, Delta, Lagos, and Rivers. While the agency withheld specific case numbers, it stressed the need for intensified surveillance and public awareness.

Cholera, caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae, manifests as sudden watery diarrhea, vomiting, and leg cramps. In severe cases, it can lead to rapid dehydration and death if not promptly treated.

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Additionally, the NCDC confirmed seven cases of yellow fever across six states—Abia, Anambra, Edo, Ekiti, Lagos, and Rivers. Although no deaths have been reported, the confirmation of even one case meets the threshold for declaring an outbreak under international health regulations.

Dengue fever, another mosquito-borne viral illness, has been confirmed in Edo State following lab investigations conducted between June 9 and 13.

Symptoms include high fever, severe headaches, eye pain, muscle and joint pain, rash, and mild bleeding. Like yellow fever, it is transmitted by the rapidly spreading Aedes mosquito, whose proliferation is being exacerbated by poor sanitation and climate factors.

The public health agency also expressed concern about the ongoing outbreaks of Mpox and diphtheria. Mpox is a viral zoonotic infection that presents with fever, swollen lymph nodes, and pustular rashes, while diphtheria is a bacterial infection affecting the respiratory tract, potentially causing breathing difficulties and death.

The NCDC is working in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, state health authorities, and partners to scale up its national response.

Efforts include deploying rapid response teams, strengthening laboratories and disease surveillance, and enhancing public communication.

Citizens are urged to maintain personal hygiene, avoid open defecation, treat drinking water, get vaccinated, and avoid self-medication for febrile illnesses.

Health workers are also advised to be on high alert and report suspected cases promptly, especially for notifiable diseases such as dengue.

“The battle against these diseases requires collective action at all levels. Nigerians must act now to prevent further loss of lives,” the NCDC warned.

NAN