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Tag: disease

  • Disease outbreaks: NCDC calls for urgent measures

    Disease outbreaks: NCDC calls for urgent measures

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised alarm over a convergence of multiple infectious disease outbreaks currently affecting the country, and urged for urgent measures.

    The NCDC disclosed this via its official website on Friday morning, warning of significant public health risks if urgent measures are not taken.

    It said the country was experiencing a surge in cholera infections, while yellow fever and dengue fever cases have begun to emerge in several states.

    The Public Health agency said that these developments come as the nation continues to grapple with ongoing outbreaks of Mpox and diphtheria.

    According to the NCDC, as of Epidemiological Week 26 (June 23–29, 2025), a total of 34 states have reported suspected cases of cholera, with Zamfara State accounting for 32 per cent of the total caseload.

    Other high-burden states, it said include Bayelsa, Adamawa, Delta, Lagos, and Rivers.

    While the specific number of suspected and confirmed cholera cases was not disclosed, the agency said that the situation demands heightened vigilance and intensified response efforts from all stakeholders.

    It said that cholera is an acute diarrhoeal illness caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae.

    It said that the symptoms are a sudden onset of profuse watery diarrhoea (often described as “rice water stools”), vomiting, and leg cramps. Severe cases can cause rapid dehydration and death if not treated promptly.

    The NCDC said that Yellow Fever is a viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti) Its symptoms were Fever, muscle pain (especially backache), headache, loss of appetite, and in severe cases, jaundice, bleeding, and organ failure.

    Speaking of dengue fever, it said, it is also transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, a viral illness that can escalate into severe dengue.

    The agency said that the symptoms were high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain (“breakbone fever”), skin rash, and mild bleeding (nose or gum).

    It said that Mpox also known as (Monkeypox) is a viral zoonotic disease with symptoms similar to smallpox, though milder, Its symptoms were fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a distinctive rash that progresses to pustules and scabs.

    While it described diphtheria as a serious bacterial infection that affects the mucous membranes of the throat and nose, its symptoms were sore throat, fever, swollen glands, and a thick grey or white coating in the throat that can block airways and cause difficulty in breathing.

    The agency also confirmed that seven yellow fever cases have been detected in six states, Abia, Anambra, Edo, Ekiti, Lagos, and Rivers, noting that while no deaths have been recorded, a single confirmed case constitutes an outbreak under international health regulations.

    “The yellow fever vaccine remains the most effective prevention strategy,” it said.

    The NCDC urged the public to get vaccinated and called on state governments to scale up immunisation campaigns.

    The public health agency further revealed the confirmation of a dengue fever outbreak in Edo State between June 9 and 13, following laboratory investigations.

    “Both dengue and yellow fever are mosquito-borne viral diseases transmitted primarily by the Aedes species, which are rapidly spreading due to poor sanitation and climate-related factors,” it added.

    To curb transmission, the NCDC advised Nigerians to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, use insecticide-treated nets, and apply insect repellents.

    It also warned against self-medication for febrile illnesses, as symptoms of dengue and yellow fever often mimic malaria.

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

    “This is also occurring at a time when the country is contending with ongoing outbreaks of Mpox and diphtheria,” it said.

    The agency assured that it is coordinating a robust national response with support from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), state governments, and partners.

    This, it said includes deploying rapid response teams, strengthening laboratory and surveillance systems, and scaling up risk communication and community engagement efforts.

    Citizens were urged to maintain high levels of hygiene, avoid open defecation, treat drinking water, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as severe diarrhoea, fever, joint pain, or rash occur.

    The NCDC also called on health workers to remain alert, maintain a high index of suspicion for emerging diseases, and report cases promptly, as dengue fever is a notifiable disease under Nigerian law.

    “Nigerians must act now to prevent further loss of lives,” the Centre warned.

    It stressed that the battle against these diseases requires collective action across all levels of society.

  • Mysterious disease kills more than 50 people in DR Congo

    Mysterious disease kills more than 50 people in DR Congo

    More than 50 people have died from an unknown disease in northwest Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) local authorities reported on Monday.

    Actualite news portal reported that over 943 cases of fever of unknown origin have been identified in Basankusu in the DRC’s Equateur Province since Feb. 9, with 52 fatalities.

    Given the number of identified cases and deaths, the mortality rate stands at 5.5 per cent, according to Actualite news reported.

    Those affected experience symptoms include fever, chills, headaches, joint pain and others, the news portal said.

    According to the report about 55 per cent of the people affected by the disease tested positive for malaria.

    The report added that the possibility of another Ebola outbreak has been ruled out.

  • Many feared dead, hospitalized as Strange disease ravage Nigerian state

    Many feared dead, hospitalized as Strange disease ravage Nigerian state

    The Chessi community in Kulani District, Balanga Local Government Area of Gombe State, is grappling with an outbreak of an unidentified disease that has tragically claimed 12 lives and left over 50 hospitalised.

    Doctors Israel James and Yakubu Maina confirmed to the press that the disease is not cholera, although they are currently investigating further. Blood and water samples have been taken to determine the exact nature of the illness.

    Symptoms reported among the affected residents include severe headaches, high fever, jaundice, and stomach pain. At present, more than 30 patients remain bedridden.

    In response to the crisis, the community has been advised by health authorities to promptly report any suspicious symptoms to the health centre established at Chessi Primary School.

    In a proactive move, Alhaji Musa Buba, the representative of Balanga North Constituency in the Gombe State House of Assembly, has donated drugs and medical supplies worth over 1.5 million naira to support the affected community members.

    His swift action followed the outbreak report, and he expressed gratitude to Governor Inuwa Yahaya for dispatching a delegation from the Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to assess the situation.

    Residents who received treatment and support expressed their appreciation, citing the importance of timely intervention in providing essential drugs and consumables. Among those interviewed were Habiba Salisu, Aisha Mohammed, and Mohammed Sulaiman, all of whom conveyed their gratitude to Hon. Musa Buba for his assistance during this challenging time.

    The situation in Chessi community remains under close observation as health officials work to identify and contain the outbreak swiftly.

  • Mysterious illness continues to trigger NCDC investigation

    Mysterious illness continues to trigger NCDC investigation

    Mysterious illness surfaced in Kaduna, Sokoto and Zamfara states,  prompting the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) to launch continuous investigation.

    The NCDC, via its official website confirmed its active involvement in analysing samples from affected individuals to determine the cause of the unusual health issue.

    The public health agency disclosed that 196 cases have so far been reported in Isa, Sabon Birni, and Ilella local government areas of Sokoto State, resulting in seven deaths.

    It added that “samples have been sent to sister laboratories for further analysis.

    “Reports of similar cases in Zamfara also prompted the dispatch of a National Rapid Response Team (NRRT) to assess and provide support.

    “Residents, especially in Kaduna State, are urged to promptly report symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, vomiting and weight loss.”

    The NCDC stated that suspected heavy metal poisoning linked to mining activities also raised concerns about environmental contamination.

    “Exposure to heavy metals poses severe health risks, necessitating preventative measures such as avoiding direct exposure to dust and soil and enforcing safety standards in mining operations,” it said.

    The centre, therefore, reaffirmed commitment to collaborate with affected states to provide timely updates to the public.

    In a separate report, the Sokoto State government confirmed 35 cases of Ascites disease in Isa Local Government Area, expressing disappointment at the lack of communication from health stakeholders in the area.

    Ascites, characterised by fluid accumulation in the abdomen, is not infectious but can result from underlying medical conditions such as liver cirrhosis or heart failure.

    Treatment options include diuretics, paracentesis, shunts, or surgical interventions like liver transplant for severe cases.

  • NCDC swings into action as mysterious disease rattles Sokoto State

    NCDC swings into action as mysterious disease rattles Sokoto State

    A mysterious illness has emerged in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, leaving both health authorities and community leaders confused.

    According to Dr Jide Idris, Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the strange illness was reported to the agency on March 21, 2024.

    “The illness manifested with symptoms such as abdominal distension, fever, vomiting, and weight loss, primarily afflicting children aged four to 13, along with some adults.

    “Already, the NCDC has deployed a National Rapid Response Team (NRRT), to collaborate with the State Ministry of Health to investigate the matter.

    “So far, 164 suspected cases have been identified across six wards in Isa Local Government, resulting in four tragic fatalities.

    “Notably, this is not the first occurrence as a similar incident was documented in 2023. That one went without a conclusive diagnosis,” he said.

    Despite initial clinical assessments ruling out infectious origins, he said that the search for causative factors continues, including heavy metal testing.

    “Results indicate varying levels of lead and chromium in blood samples, prompting scrutiny of local activities such as mining and agricultural practices involving chemical usage.

    “The collaborative efforts extend beyond health institutions, encompassing government agencies, research bodies, and community stakeholders.

    “At the moment, security challenges hamper access to affected areas, complicating response efforts,” he said.

    As investigation into the disease continues, the NCDC boss has urged vigilance within affected communities, emphasising prompt reporting of symptoms to healthcare facilities or designated authorities.

    He also expressed condolences to families affected by the outbreak and commended the dedication of healthcare workers and partnering organisations.

  • Diphtheria claims one as FCTA confirms outbreak of disease

    Diphtheria claims one as FCTA confirms outbreak of disease

    The FCT Administration has confirmed the outbreak of the deadly diphtheria disease in the territory after it claimed the life of a four year old boy out of eight reported cases.

    The Director, FCT Public Health department, Sadiq Abdulrahman, who announced this on Monday at a press briefing, said information available to it confirmed that the disease was imported from neighbouring Niger state.

    He disclosed that two weeks ago, the department was alerted of a possible outbreak of the disease in Dei-Dei,with eight suspected cases reported.

    Abdulrahman added that the department immediately swung into action by activating its emergency response through which it collected samples for test at the National Reference Laboratory in Gaduwa as well as the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, noting that the outcome of the result which came last Friday, indicated that one came out positive out of the eight.

    The Direcror explained that the Department is collaborating with neighbouring states to checkmate further spread of the disease from contagious states through border surveillance as he advised residents to take their personal hygiene seriously.

    For his part, the Executive Secretary, Primary Health Care Board, Isa Vatsa said diphtheria is caused by bacteria which signs includes fever, running nose, difficulty in breathing and can be transmitted through sneezing, droplets, coughing and contact with contaminated.

    Vatsa advised residents to visits the over 400 vaccines outlets across the territory to get vaccinated against the disease.

     

    According to him:” The symptoms of the disease include fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, red eyes, neck swelling, and difficulty breathing. Diphtheria spreads easily between people through direct contact with infected people, droplets from coughing or sneezing and contact with contaminated clothing and objects, thereby underscoring the importance of hygiene and environmental sanitation in the prevention.

    “To reduce the risk of contracting the disease, FCT residents are hereby advised to ensure that their children are fully vaccinated with three (3) doses of the pentavalent vaccine as recommended in the National childhood immunisation schedule.

    “The FCTA through the Primary Health Care Board has concluded plans to revaccinate all children 14yrs and below in the affected community with the appropriate vaccines, irrespective of their previous vaccination status. (6wks – <4yrs will receive Penta Vaccine, while 4yrs – 14yrs will receive Td vaccine) There will be RI intensification exercise across the 6 Area Councils with increased access to the Routine Immunization services beyond the over 400 Health Care Facilities offering immunization in the FCT with the regular conduct of outreach services, taking the vaccines to where people live and work

  • King’s College refutes outbreak of water-borne disease

    King’s College refutes outbreak of water-borne disease

    Mr Sunday Ameh, Chairman, King’s College Parent Teacher Association (KCPTA) has reassured of commitment to providing standard amenities that would not compromise the welfare of students.

    Ameh, who gave the assurance in an interview on Thursday in Lagos, spoke against the backdrop of reports by some parents, alleging poor environmental sanitation and unavailable potable water in the college, especially the annex in Victoria Island.

    The parents had complained of a water infection that gave rise to fever, resulting in blisters on various parts of the skin of some of the students, specifically those in Junior Secondary School one (JSS1).

    He maintained that there was no outbreak of waterborne diseases in the college.

    Ameh stated that there was only one source of drinking water that served the entire college community, including the principal and staff, and wondered how the alleged infection could have targeted only the JSS I students.

    Speaking further on the development, the chairman stressed that there was no issue of lack of potable water, not with the presence of an industrial borehole provided for the college by the Federal Government.

    According to him, the two boreholes that provide water for drinking and washing respectively, always undergo routine maintenance.

    He further added that the environment at the annex was equally conducive for teaching and learning to thrive.

    “Yes, I got complaints from some JSS1 parents about the ill health of our Kings, and I felt very pained and concerned. These children are our first and foremost priority, our joy, our responsibility and the reason why we are here.

    “We can never afford to compromise their education, health, general welfare and other things that concern them. We are to partner government to ensure that they get the best possible.

    “When these complaints got to us, we alerted the principal and immediately, we set out to the annex to get firsthand information from the sick bay.

    “We discovered that about three of the students had reported there, been examined and administered some antibiotics before they left for their break.

    “Be that as it may, I have reached out to the concerned parents to express our concern and to reassure them, as the school management is meeting to establish the real cause of the development, after which, we take it up from there.

    “Meanwhile, we want to reach out to our kings to sympathise with them and to assure them of our prayers for a very speedy recovery,” he said.

    Ameh pleaded with the parents to strive to find time to visit the school, to see things for themselves, and to engage the association or college for clarifications on issues that concerned the welfare and academics of their children and wards.

    According to him, such will reduce incidences of poor perception, unverified information, doubts, hearsay and misleading of the general public.

    On his part, the Director/Principal of the college, Mr Andrew Agada, noted that since his arrival in 2019, there had never been any incident of water-borne diseases.

    He said that the college had always taken issues of water, food and welfare of the boys in both the main campus and the annex, with extreme care.

    According to Agada, this is coupled with the fact that the 1991 set of the Old Boys graciously assisted the college with the provision of a borehole at the main campus, accompanied by continuous turnaround maintenance.

    He said that the college had inherited a borehole from the Federal School for Arts and Science that had served the place for over 20 years, at its annex campus on Victoria Island.

    According to him, in 2020, the borehole collapsed and the college brought in some water engineers who came to examine it and advised that it cannot be revived.

    The engineers urged the management to go for a new one.

    “When we looked at the cost, we discovered that we cannot do it alone, so I wrote a letter to the ministry for urgent attention, which was acknowledged and we did the follow-up and eventually, the contract was awarded.

    “Meanwhile, within that period, we were buying water just to ensure that our boys were taken care of, irrespective of the huge number. We survived it. Now we have an industrial borehole on the ground where we are all drinking from, including my humble self and the staff. The water is always treated.

    “We cannot afford to run a school with very young children, without the provision of potable water. No government will approve of that. We will continue to do all we can to provide, from our very limited resources, a conducive environment for teaching and learning to thrive.

    “On completion of the construction of the industrial borehole by the Federal Government, officials from the Lagos State Water Resources came around to collect a sample for testing, after which they certified it fit,” he explained.

    He expressed regret over the health concerns of some of the JSS 1 students who came down with fevers, accompanied by skin infections.

    He also assured of the management’s ongoing investigation for the remote cause of the health concern, for necessary action.

    Agada added that, already, the chairman of the college’s patient forum, Ameh, had paid a visit to the affected students at the hospital and they are showing signs of speedy recovery.

    “I even spoke with some of the parents and my students and they all expressed appreciation for the care, concern and love shown to them by the association and college management,” Agada said.

  • Anthrax: What to know about the disease and implication on ‘ponmo’

    Anthrax: What to know about the disease and implication on ‘ponmo’

    The Federal Government has alerted the public on the outbreak of Anthrax disease in some neighbouring countries within the West African sub-region.

    Dr Ernest Umakhihe, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development announced this in a statement in Abuja on Monday.

    Dr Umakhihe said that the affected countries are, Northern Ghana bordering Burkina Faso and Togo.

    Umakhihe said that the disease which had claimed some lives is a bacterial disease that affects both animals and man.

    According to the statement, anthrax can easily be transmitted to humans through the inhalation of anthrax spores and it could also be transmitted through consumption of contaminated or infected animal products, including ponmo.

    He said that Anthrax spores are naturally found in the soil and commonly affects domestic and wild animals.

    Umakhihe said that people could get infected with Anthrax spores if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products.

    He said that the disease is not contagious one  cannot get it by coming in close contact with an infected person.

    ”Signs of anthrax  are, flu- like symptoms,  such as cough, fever and muscle aches,“ he said.

    He said that  if not diagnosed and treated early, it will lead to pneumonia, severe lung problems, difficulty in breathing, shock and death.

    The permanent secretary said that anthrax being a bacterial disease, responds to treatment with antibiotics and supportive therapy.

    ”It is primarily a disease of animals but because of man’s closeness to animals, non vaccinated animals with anthrax can easily be transmitted to man through the inhalation of anthrax spores.

    ”It could also be through  consumption of contaminated or infected animal products, such as hides and skin, meat or milk,” he said.

    He said annual vaccinations with anthrax spores are available at the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau .

    He said  that it is the cheapest and easiest means of prevention and control of the disease in animals, adding that infected animals cannot be vaccinated, but animals at risk can be vaccinated.

    ”There is a  need to intensify animal vaccinations along border States of Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos states, because of their proximity to Burkina Faso, Togo and Ghana,” he said.

    Umakhihe urged other states in Nigeria to join in the exercise to prevent the spread of the disease.

    He advised that infected dead animals should be buried deep into the soil, with equipment used in the burial after applying chemicals that would kill the anthrax spores.

    “The public is strongly advised to desist from the consumption of hides (pomo), smoked meat and bush meat as they pose serious risk until the situation is brought under control,” he said.

    Umakhihe urged the public to remain calm and vigilant as the Federal Government has resuscitated a Standing Committee on the control of Anthrax.

    He said that relevant institutions and collaborators have been contacted with the aim of controlling the outbreak.

    “This is in addition to the sensitisation of State Directors of Veterinary Services nationwide,” he said.

  • Nigeria records 216 confirmed diphtheria cases – NCDC

    Nigeria records 216 confirmed diphtheria cases – NCDC

    Nigeria has recorded 216 diphtheria cases and 40 deaths, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC.

    Dr Bola Lawal, Lead of the Diphtheria/Pertussis Technical Working Group, NCDC, confirmed that the confirmed cases were reported in four states: Kano (211), Yobe (two), Lagos (two), and Osun (two).

    NAN reports that according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), diphtheria is an infection caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

    Signs and symptoms usually start two to five days after exposure and range from mild to severe. Symptoms often come on gradually, beginning with a sore throat and fever.

    Lawal said that the majority of the deaths were recorded in Kano State (38), while Lagos State recorded two deaths.

    He said the agency was supporting the response activities in Kano, Lagos, Yobe, Osun, Yobe, and Katsina states.

    He also said out of the 216 confirmed cases, 27 were fully vaccinated, 84 were unvaccinated, and 20 were partly vaccinated.

    Lawal said: “Kano state recorded 396 suspected cases with 211 confirmed cases; Yobe State has recorded 78 suspected cases with two confirmed cases; Katsina has 34 suspected cases but no confirmed case yet; Lagos has recorded 14 suspected cases and two confirmed cases; Osun has one confirmed case so far.

    “We have also recorded 40 deaths with a case fatality rate of 18.5 per cent. Of the 216 confirmed cases, 184 (85.2 per cent) were aged two to 14 years from both sexes.”

    He said that there was low immunisation for the pentavalent vaccine, poor surveillance and limited laboratory capacity to properly diagnose the disease, noting that the agency was supporting intensified activities to conduct routine immunisation among children under two years, particularly in Kano State.

    Also, he said, there has been harmonisation of surveillance and laboratory data from across states and laboratories with the sensitisation/training of clinical and surveillance officers on the presentation, prevention, and surveillance for diphtheria in states where rapid response teams were deployed.

    Meanwhile, the Director-General, NCDC, Dr Ifedayo Adetifa, stressed: “surveillance is everybody’s responsibility; it is not just enough to see. If you see something suspicious, report it to your local government, report to NCDC, and then they can investigate.”

    Newsmen reports that children under five and adults over 60 years old are particularly at risk for getting it.

  • Actress Uche Ogbodo battles medical condition with no cure

    Actress Uche Ogbodo battles medical condition with no cure

    Actress Uche Ogbodo has revealed that she is battling a health condition that has no cure.

    The actress shared a video of herself in the gym and said she suffers from Urticaria.

    She described the condition as “one of the worst things” she has been through in her life.

    The actress who made this known on her Instagram page wrote; “It’s been 3 years I’ve had to deal with this condition, it’s one of the worst things I’ve been through in my life.

    …I’m not bedridden physically but Urticaria has physically, mentally, psychologically challenged me. Even with my career.

    I wake up every day with a zeal to live which is why I believe I have Overcome this demon. I’m not dying today! That is my everyday spirit and I go through my Day like a warrior Goddess that I am…

    …So after 1 n half year of not working out due to attacks I get everyday and how intense I break out after workouts, and very low energy I have everyday I’m back in the Gym like I never left!

    I have 3 reasons why!

    1, Not cos I hate my new body, but because I want to contour it at the right places.

    3, Cos I wish to inspire soo many men and women like me who are URTICARIA SUFFERS, I want to give you hope!

    It’s true this condition has no cure but you can beat it better believe… will be sharing my secrets soonest on how I survived soonest.

    All my Love.”

    NHS Inform defines Urticaria, also known as hives, weals, welts or nettle rash, as a raised, itchy rash that appears on the skin. It may appear on one part of the body or be spread across large areas.