The Nigeria Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (NCDC) has alerted on the rising incidence of cholera in the country, while yellow fever and dengue fever are beginning to be detected in some states.
According to the NCDC, this is also occurring at a time when the country is contending with ongoing outbreaks of Mpox and diphtheria.
A statement released Thursday evening in Abuja revealed that, as of Epidemiological Week 26 (23–29th June 2025), 34 states have reported cases of cholera, with Zamfara State accounting for 32% of all suspected cases.
However, the specific number of both suspected and confirmed cases was not disclosed by the NCDC.
It added that other states with high case numbers include Bayelsa, Adamawa, Delta, Lagos, and Rivers.
NCDC also noted that, as of 2025, suspected yellow fever cases have been reported across the country, with seven confirmed cases in six states — Abia, Anambra, Edo, Ekiti, Lagos, and Rivers — adding that no deaths have been recorded to date.
The Centre, however, stated that a single confirmed case of yellow fever is considered an outbreak, pointing out that ensuring high vaccination coverage is critical to preventing outbreaks and saving lives.
It noted that yellow fever is an epidemic-prone disease, and vaccination is the most effective measure for prevention, stressing that the yellow fever vaccine is safe, affordable, and a single dose provides life-long protection.
NCDC said that it is working to strengthen laboratory diagnostics, surveillance, and field investigations in affected states, and continues to collaborate with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to support state authorities with mass vaccination campaigns.
It explained that both yellow fever and dengue fever are mosquito-borne viral diseases that pose a growing public health concern in Nigeria, which are transmitted primarily by the *Aedes* species.
The Centre observed that preventing mosquito bites and eliminating breeding sites are key to reducing the spread of both diseases.
The NCDC disclosed that it confirmed an outbreak of dengue fever in Edo State between June 9th and 13th, 2025, adding that the outbreak was confirmed through laboratory testing and underscores the growing risk posed by vector-borne diseases.
It emphasized that, through collaboration with the Edo State Ministry of Health, the Centre is leading response efforts, including enhanced surveillance, risk communication, mosquito control, and clinical management support.
NCDC advised the residents to look out for symptoms such as high fever, headache, muscle or joint pain, sore throat, and swollen glands. Prompt medical attention is essential.
To prevent infection from mosquito-borne diseases such as yellow fever and dengue fever, the NCDC urged the public to eliminate mosquito breeding sites by clearing stagnant water and covering water storage containers, get vaccinated against yellow fever, which remains the most effective prevention method, and use personal protective measures such as insect repellents, insecticide-treated nets, and long-sleeved clothing.
The Centre also advised Nigerians to seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, headache, joint pain, and avoid self-medication, as symptoms could mimic malaria, and ensure sanitation, including drainage systems, to prevent water accumulation and reduce mosquito breeding.
NCDC urged healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion for dengue in febrile patients, implement appropriate infection prevention and control measures, and promptly notify local and state epidemiologists, as dengue is a notifiable disease in Nigeria by law.
The statement read in part, “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.”
“In response to the rising risks and threats, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) wishes to inform the public and stakeholders of its ongoing, coordinated national response to recent surges in these infectious disease outbreaks.”
The Centre assured that it is working closely with state governments, health partners, and communities to strengthen surveillance, provide treatment supplies, deploy rapid response teams, and other communication and community engagement efforts to contain outbreaks and reduce their impact.
“To protect yourself and your loved ones, the NCDC reiterates the following preventive measures: maintain high levels of hygiene, including regular hand washing and safe water practices, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly with clean water before consumption, avoid open defecation and promote proper sanitation, and seek prompt medical attention if you experience any symptoms.”
NCDC appealed to all state governments to remain alert and intensify surveillance efforts to ensure timely detection and response to any of these diseases.
Cholera is a life-threatening disease that causes severe acute watery diarrhoea, which can lead to rapid dehydration. It affects both children and adults. Symptoms typically appear between 12 hours and 5 days after exposure, and if not treated promptly, the disease can result in death within hours.
It is transmitted by consuming food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Heavy rains can wash the bacteria into drinking water supplies.
