Nigeria Issues Fresh Nationwide Alert Over Cholera, Dengue, Mpox, Diphtheria, and Yellow Fever Outbreaks
Written By Rita Uzuh July 18,2025
The Federal Government of Nigeria has raised a new public health alert over multiple infectious disease outbreaks currently spreading across the country. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), in an update issued on Friday, July 18, 2025, confirmed active outbreaks of cholera, dengue fever, Mpox, diphtheria, and yellow fever in various states.
According to the official statement published on the NCDC website, the agency warned that the simultaneous outbreaks pose significant health risks and demand immediate nationwide attention and coordinated response efforts.
“The situation demands heightened vigilance and intensified response efforts from all stakeholders,” the NCDC stated.
As of epidemiological week 26 (June 23–29), suspected cholera cases have been recorded in 34 states, with Zamfara State accounting for 32% of the total infections. Other affected states include Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, Adamawa, and Delta.
In Edo State, a dengue fever outbreak was confirmed between June 9 and 13 following laboratory investigations. Dengue fever, like yellow fever, is transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. Poor sanitation, climate change, and stagnant water are key factors driving the spread.
The NCDC further disclosed that seven cases of yellow fever have been confirmed across Abia, Anambra, Edo, Ekiti, Lagos, and Rivers States. It emphasized that vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure against the disease.
Mpox and diphtheria outbreaks also remain active concerns. Mpox typically causes fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, while diphtheria leads to severe respiratory distress and throat infections.
The NCDC urged Nigerians to take proactive steps to prevent infection. Recommended measures include:
- Eliminating stagnant water and mosquito breeding sites
- Sleeping under insecticide-treated nets
- Using mosquito repellents
- Maintaining strict hygiene practices
- Avoiding self-medication
- Seeking timely medical testing, especially for symptoms similar to malaria
It also warned that the symptoms of dengue fever and yellow fever often resemble malaria, making timely diagnosis and professional treatment critical.
The NCDC reiterated its commitment to ongoing surveillance and response coordination, urging all citizens, health workers, and state governments to remain alert and responsive.
Published by SpringnewsNG Media Limited
