Health: NCDC Warns Unreported Dengue, Cholera, Yellow Fever Cases Could Escalate

Health: NCDC Warns Unreported Dengue, Cholera, Yellow Fever Cases Could Escalate

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a fresh warning that outbreaks of dengue fever, cholera, and yellow fever may escalate across the country if suspected cases continue to go unreported or are misdiagnosed. The alert comes as Nigeria battles a surge in waterborne and mosquito-borne diseases, worsened by seasonal flooding.

In a recent appearance on Channels Television, NCDC Director-General Dr. Jide Idris expressed concern that many dengue cases were not detected early due to improper reporting or assumptions that the symptoms were malaria-related. “These cases were going on for weeks before they came to our notice,” he said. “If people do not report, it is more dangerous for us as a people.”

Dr Jide Idris, Director General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control

The NCDC confirmed a dengue fever outbreak in Edo State between June 9 and 13, while cholera has been reported in 34 states, with Zamfara accounting for 32% of suspected cases. Seven confirmed cases of yellow fever have also been recorded across six states, including Lagos, Abia, Ekiti, and Rivers. The agency says even a single confirmed case is classified as an outbreak under Nigeria’s disease control protocols.

Flooding in more than 16 states—among them Lagos, Ogun, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Delta—is contributing to the spread of these diseases by contaminating water sources and creating mosquito breeding grounds. The NCDC says poor sanitation and public health awareness are worsening the situation.

To counter the spread, the agency has deployed rapid response teams, supplied cholera kits and vaccines to affected states, and increased entomological surveillance. It is also working with tertiary hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to improve early detection and case reporting.

The public is being urged to report symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, rashes, and body aches to nearby health centres and avoid self-medication. Nigerians are also advised to use insecticide-treated nets, eliminate stagnant water around homes, ensure safe water storage, and get vaccinated against yellow fever where available.

According to the NCDC, a more responsive and well-informed public, along with accurate and timely health data from institutions, is essential to avoid full-blown epidemics during the rainy season.