The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued an urgent nationwide health alert, confirming the ongoing spread of multiple infectious diseases across the country.
The agency has raised alarm over outbreaks of cholera, dengue fever, Mpox, diphtheria, and yellow fever, warning that if swift and coordinated action is not taken, Nigeria may face a major public health crisis.
In its statement released Friday on the NCDC’s official website, the agency disclosed that these disease outbreaks have been confirmed in several states, with cholera leading the surge. As of epidemiological week 26 (June 23–29, 2025), cholera cases have been reported in 34 out of 36 states, with Zamfara State alone accounting for 32 percent of all suspected cases.
Other heavily affected states include Bayelsa, Adamawa, Delta, Lagos, and Rivers.
“The situation demands heightened vigilance and intensified response efforts from all stakeholders, including government agencies, healthcare workers, and the public,” the NCDC emphasized.
Dengue Fever Outbreak Confirmed in Edo State
The NCDC confirmed that dengue fever has been detected in Edo State, with confirmed cases identified between June 9 and 13, 2025, following laboratory analysis.
Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne illness transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes the same vector responsible for yellow fever has been exacerbated by poor sanitation, stagnant water, and climate-related factors, which support mosquito breeding.
“While cholera is on the rise nationally, we are also beginning to see dengue fever and yellow fever emerge in pockets across different states,” the NCDC stated.
Yellow Fever Detected in Six States
Confirmed cases of yellow fever have been reported in Abia, Anambra, Edo, Ekiti, Lagos, and Rivers States, with seven cases officially verified.
The NCDC reminded Nigerians that vaccination remains the most reliable form of protection against yellow fever, urging eligible citizens to get immunized and avoid mosquito exposure.
Mpox and Diphtheria Still Circulating
The centre also warned that Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox) and diphtheria continue to pose threats. Mpox is characterized by fever, skin rashes, and swollen lymph nodes, while diphtheria can cause severe throat infections, difficulty breathing, and death if not treated promptly.
These diseases are further stressing an already burdened healthcare system.
NCDC Recommends Urgent Preventive Measures
To curb the spread of these diseases, the NCDC has issued a series of public health recommendations:
Eliminate mosquito breeding sites, such as stagnant water around homes.
Use insecticide-treated bed nets and mosquito repellents.
Maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene, especially in cholera-prone areas.
Avoid self-medication and seek medical care promptly if symptoms arise.
Get vaccinated where necessary, especially for yellow fever and diphtheria.
Seek laboratory testing for illnesses with symptoms that resemble malaria.
“Symptoms of yellow fever and dengue can be easily mistaken for malaria. Accurate diagnosis and early treatment are critical,” the agency warned.
Call for Coordinated National Response
The NCDC emphasized the importance of state governments, health ministries, and community leaders working collaboratively to contain these outbreaks.
“We urge all Nigerians to remain alert and cooperate with public health authorities. The success of our disease control efforts depends on collective responsibility,” the statement concluded.
The alert comes as Nigeria grapples with mounting pressures on its healthcare infrastructure, raising concerns about the country’s capacity to manage multiple concurrent outbreaks.