NCDC Alerts Nation on Multiple Disease Outbreaks, Urges Immediate Action

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The Federal Government has raised an alarm over the outbreak of several infectious diseases across Nigeria, calling for urgent measures to curb their spread.

In a public health advisory issued on Friday, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) confirmed active outbreaks of cholera, dengue fever, Mpox, diphtheria, and yellow fever. The agency warned that the situation poses a significant threat to public health and requires immediate nationwide intervention.

“The current outbreaks demand increased vigilance and coordinated response efforts from all stakeholders,” the NCDC stated.

As of epidemiological week 26 (June 23–29, 2025), suspected cholera cases have been reported in 34 states, with Zamfara alone accounting for 32% of infections. Other heavily affected states include Bayelsa, Adamawa, Delta, Lagos, and Rivers. Cholera, caused by Vibrio cholerae, can result in severe diarrhea, dehydration, and death if not promptly treated.

The NCDC also confirmed a dengue fever outbreak in Edo State between June 9 and 13, following laboratory tests. Both dengue and yellow fever are transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, with poor sanitation and climate conditions worsening their spread.

Yellow fever cases have been detected in Abia, Anambra, Edo, Ekiti, Lagos, and Rivers, with seven confirmed infections. The NCDC emphasized that vaccination remains the best defense against yellow fever.

The agency highlighted that Mpox (formerly monkeypox) and diphtheria remain persistent health risks. Mpox symptoms include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, while diphtheria can cause severe throat infections and breathing difficulties.

To curb transmission, the NCDC advised Nigerians to:

– Eliminate mosquito breeding sites

– Use insecticide-treated nets and repellents

– Maintain high hygiene standards

– Avoid self-medication and seek medical care if symptoms arise

The agency also cautioned that dengue and yellow fever symptoms can resemble malaria, making proper testing and early treatment critical.

The NCDC called for collective action to mitigate the outbreaks and protect public health.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled: Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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