…says Nigeria already grappling with increasing cases of cholera, while yellow fever and dengue fever are being reported in some states.
EDO, NIGERIA – The iNews Times reports that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed an outbreak of dengue fever in Edo State, raising fresh concerns over the growing threat of vector-borne and waterborne diseases in the country.
The NCDC Director General, Dr. Jide Idris, in a statement on Friday, said laboratory tests conducted between June 9 and 13 confirmed the cases in Edo, marking a troubling rise in dengue infections.
He also warned of a potential escalation of cholera and yellow fever outbreaks nationwide, noting that Nigeria is already grappling with increasing cases of cholera, while yellow fever and dengue fever are being reported in some states.
Dr. Idris sounded the alarm following recent impact-based weather forecasts by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which identified several states at heightened risk of flooding and flash floods – conditions that could trigger large-scale outbreaks of infectious diseases.
“Sokoto State faces particularly high risk of flash flooding,” Dr. Idris said. “Other states at notable risk include Kaduna, Zamfara, and Yobe.
These flash floods can lead to displacement, disrupt livelihoods, and significantly increase the risk of infectious diseases like cholera and vector-borne illnesses such as malaria, yellow fever, and dengue fever.”
He explained that floodwaters often contaminate drinking sources with pathogens from soil, animal waste, and sewage, creating ideal conditions for cholera outbreaks. Additionally, stagnant water from heavy rains provides perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes that spread diseases like malaria, yellow fever, and dengue.
The NCDC boss assured the public that the agency is leading a coordinated national response in collaboration with state governments, health partners, and communities. Efforts include enhancing disease surveillance, deploying rapid response teams, supplying treatment materials, and carrying out community engagement activities.
Specifically in Edo State, Dr. Idris said the NCDC is working with the state’s Ministry of Health on surveillance, mosquito control, clinical support, and risk communication to manage the dengue fever outbreak.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms such as high fever, headache, joint or muscle pain, sore throat, or swollen glands.
To prevent mosquito-borne infections, Dr. Idris advised Nigerians to clear stagnant water, cover water containers, use insect repellents, sleep under treated mosquito nets, wear long-sleeved clothing, and ensure vaccination against yellow fever.
“Healthcare workers must also maintain a high index of suspicion for dengue fever in patients with fever, implement proper infection control, and promptly report cases to health authorities, as dengue is a notifiable disease in Nigeria,” he stressed.
The NCDC reiterated its commitment to mitigating the impact of disease outbreaks and called on Nigerians to adopt preventive measures and avoid self-medication.
