The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised alarm over a convergence of multiple infectious disease outbreaks across the country and called for urgent coordinated response from all stakeholders.
The agency, in a statement published on its official website on Friday, warned that the simultaneous outbreaks of cholera, yellow fever, dengue fever, Mpox (formerly monkeypox), and diphtheria pose serious public health risks that require immediate attention.
According to the NCDC, as of Epidemiological Week 26 (June 23–29, 2025), suspected cholera cases have been reported in 34 states, with Zamfara accounting for 32 per cent of the national caseload. Other states with high cholera burden include Bayelsa, Adamawa, Delta, Lagos, and Rivers.
Although specific figures for confirmed cholera cases were not released, the agency stressed that the situation necessitates intensified response efforts, including improved sanitation and access to clean water.
The NCDC explained that cholera is an acute diarrhoeal illness caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae. Symptoms include sudden onset of profuse watery diarrhoea, vomiting, leg cramps, and, in severe cases, rapid dehydration that may lead to death if untreated.
The agency also reported seven confirmed yellow fever cases in six states — Abia, Anambra, Edo, Ekiti, Lagos, and Rivers — noting that while no deaths had occurred, a single case meets the threshold for declaring an outbreak under international health regulations.
It described yellow fever as a mosquito-borne viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted by Aedes aegypti, with symptoms ranging from fever and muscle pain to jaundice and bleeding in severe cases.
Additionally, the NCDC confirmed an outbreak of dengue fever in Edo State between June 9 and 13 following laboratory investigations. Dengue, also transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, presents with high fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding.
The agency warned that both dengue and yellow fever are spreading rapidly due to poor sanitation and climate-related factors, urging Nigerians to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, use insecticide-treated nets, and avoid self-medication for febrile illnesses.
Ongoing outbreaks of Mpox and diphtheria were also flagged. Mpox, a viral zoonotic infection similar to smallpox, causes fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, and pustules. Diphtheria, on the other hand, is a serious bacterial infection of the throat and nose, which can cause airway blockage and death if untreated.
The NCDC called on Nigerians to get vaccinated, particularly against yellow fever and diphtheria, and encouraged state governments to intensify immunisation efforts.
It advised the public to observe high standards of personal and environmental hygiene, avoid open defecation, treat drinking water, and seek prompt medical attention when symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea, or rashes appear.
Health workers were urged to maintain a high index of suspicion for notifiable diseases like dengue and ensure timely reporting.
The Centre assured Nigerians that it is coordinating a robust national response in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), state ministries of health, and development partners.
“This includes the deployment of rapid response teams, strengthening of surveillance systems and laboratories, and intensified risk communication and community engagement,” the agency said.
“Nigerians must act now to prevent further loss of lives,” the NCDC warned, stressing that effective disease control depends on collective action at all levels.
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