NCDC Sounds Alarm on Cholera, Yellow Fever, and Dengue Surge as Flood Risks Rise

NCDC Sounds Alarm on Cholera, Yellow Fever, and Dengue Surge as Flood Risks Rise

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued an urgent public health alert warning of a potential surge in cholera, yellow fever, and dengue fever cases, driven by anticipated flash floods across multiple states. The alert, signed by NCDC Director-General Jide Idris, follows forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which identified Sokoto, Kaduna, Zamfara, Yobe, and other states as high-risk areas for flooding in July 2025.“Floodwaters can contaminate drinking water sources by carrying pathogens from soil, animal waste, or overwhelmed sewage systems into rivers and lakes, creating ideal conditions for cholera outbreaks,” the NCDC statement explained. From June 23 to 29, 2025, suspected cholera cases were reported in 34 states, with Zamfara accounting for 32% of the total. Other heavily affected states include Bayelsa, Adamawa, Delta, Lagos, and Rivers.The NCDC also highlighted heightened risks of mosquito-borne diseases, yellow fever and dengue fever, which thrive in stagnant floodwaters. Between June 9 and 13, laboratory-confirmed dengue fever cases surged in Edo State, while seven confirmed yellow fever cases were reported across Abia, Anambra, Edo, Ekiti, Lagos, and Rivers. “A single confirmed case of yellow fever constitutes an outbreak. No deaths have been recorded so far,” the agency noted.To curb the spread, the NCDC is working closely with state governments, health partners, and communities to enhance disease surveillance, distribute treatment materials, deploy rapid response teams, and conduct public awareness campaigns. The agency urged Nigerians to adopt preventive measures, including regular hand washing, ensuring food and water safety, covering water containers, eliminating standing water, using insecticide-treated nets and repellents, and keeping vaccinations up to date.“We call on state governments to heighten vigilance and strengthen surveillance to ensure early detection and swift response to these diseases,” the NCDC emphasized. As Nigeria braces for flooding, the agency stressed the importance of collective action to mitigate the public health risks posed by these water- and mosquito-borne illnesses.    

Source: NCDC Sounds Alarm on Cholera, Yellow Fever, and Dengue Surge as Flood Risks Rise

 - NigerianEye

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