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PROTECTING PUBLIC HEALTH DURING FLOOD SEASON: NCDC ISSUES NATIONWIDE ALERT ON CHOLERA, YELLOW AND DENGUE FEVER

PROTECTING PUBLIC HEALTH DURING FLOOD SEASON: NCDC ISSUES NATIONWIDE ALERT ON CHOLERA, YELLOW AND DENGUE FEVER

Abuja, Nigeria | 16th July 2025

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) recently issued an impact-based weather forecast for July 2025,

highlighting several states at heightened risk of flooding and flash floods. Sokoto state was identified as having a

particularly high risk of flash flooding. Other states at notable flood risk include Kaduna, Zamfara, Yobe and a

couple of other states.

Flash floods can lead to large-scale displacement of populations, disruption of livelihoods, and increased risk of

infectious disease outbreaks especially waterborne and vector-borne diseases.

Floodwaters often contaminate our water sources by washing pathogens or germs from soil, animal waste, or

overwhelmed sewage systems into rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water. This contamination affects drinking

water sources and creates ideal conditions for the spread of cholera, which is caused by the bacterium Vibrio

cholerae.

Additionally, heavy rainfall or flooding can create stagnant water in natural and artificial receptacles such as

puddles, tree holes, discarded tyres and containers which becomes ideal breeding sites for mosquitoes that transmit

diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, and dengue fever.

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 NCDC 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.

Cholera

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.

As of Epidemiological Week 26 (23rd – 29th June 2025), 34 states have reported cases, with Zamfara State accounting

for 32% of all suspected cases. Other states with high case numbers include Bayelsa, Adamawa, Delta, Lagos, and

Rivers.

Yellow Fever and Dengue Fever

Yellow fever and dengue fever are mosquito-borne viral diseases that pose a growing public health concern in Nigeria.

They are transmitted primarily by the Aedes species. Preventing mosquito bites and eliminating breeding sites are

key to reducing the spread of both diseases.

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is an epidemic-prone disease and vaccination is the most effective measure for prevention. The yellow

fever vaccine is safe, affordable, and a single dose provides life-long protection. Ensuring high vaccination

coverage is critical to preventing outbreaks and saving lives.

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. A single confirmed case of yellow fever is considered an

outbreak. No deaths have been recorded to date.

The NCDC 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.

Dengue Fever

The NCDC has confirmed an outbreak of dengue fever in Edo State between June 9th and 13th, 2025. The outbreak

was confirmed through laboratory testing and underscores the growing risk posed by vector-borne diseases.

In collaboration with the Edo State Ministry of Health, NCDC is leading response efforts, including enhanced

surveillance, risk communication, mosquito control, and clinical management support.

Residents are advised 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 urges the public

to:

• Eliminate mosquito breeding sites by clearing stagnant water and covering water storage containers.

• Use personal protective measures such as insect repellents, insecticide-treated nets, and long-sleeved clothing.

• Get vaccinated against yellow fever, which remains the most effective prevention method.

• Improve infrastructure and sanitation, including drainage systems, to prevent water accumulation and reduce

mosquito breeding.

• Seek prompt medical attention if you experience symptoms such as fever, headache, joint pain and avoid

selfmedication as symptoms could mimic malaria.

Healthcare workers are advised 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.

Staying Safe and Informed

The goal of this press release is to provide updated information on ongoing outbreaks, inform and educate the public

on prevention measures, and promote personal protective actions to support informed decision-making.

To protect yourself and your loved ones, the NCDC reiterates the following preventive measures:

• Maintain high levels of hygiene, including regular handwashing and safe water practices.

• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly with clean water before consumption.

• Avoid open defecation and promote proper sanitation.

• Seek prompt medical attention if you experience any symptoms.

• Cooperate with health officials and comply with public health advisories.

• Ensure that children and adults are fully vaccinated according to the national immunisation schedule.

The public is encouraged to stay informed through the official NCDC website and verified social media platforms.

NCDC remains committed to protecting the health of all Nigerians and continues to work closely with relevant

authorities to prevent further spread.

We urge all state governments to remain alert and intensify surveillance efforts to ensure timely detection and response

to any of these diseases.

Please note that a single confirmed case of yellow fever or dengue fever is considered an outbreak.

For updates and outbreak information, please visit: www.ncdc.gov.ng

About NCDC

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) is the country’s national public health institute with

the mandate to lead the prevention, detection, and response to public health emergencies. Established by law in 2018,

NCDC's mission is to protect the health of Nigerians through evidence-based prevention, integrated disease

surveillance and response, and a One Health approach guided by research and driven by a skilled workforce. Contact

Information

• Toll-free Call Centre: 6232

• Email: [email protected]

• Social Media:

• X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Telegram: @NCDCgov

Signed:

Dr. Jide Idris

Director General

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC)