NCDC Raises Alarm Over Triple Disease Threat Amid Flash Floods Across Nigeria

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, on Thursday, issued a public health alert warning of rising cases of cholera, yellow fever, and dengue fever as a result of the ongoing flood season across parts of the country.

The alert titled, “Protecting public health during flood season: NCDC issues nationwide alert on cholera, yellow fever, and dengue fever,” was signed by the Director General of NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris.

Recently, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency issued a flood alert for the month of July, warning that states including Sokoto, Lagos, Edo, Benue, and 16 others are at risk of experiencing flash floods.

NiMet said, “Sokoto State has a high risk of experiencing flash floods. Other states with notable risk of flash flooding are Kaduna, Zamfara, Yobe, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Jigawa, Adamawa, Taraba, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, Ogun, Ondo, Lagos, Delta, Edo, Cross River, Rivers and Akwa Ibom.”

NCDC said 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 become ideal breeding sites for mosquitoes that transmit diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, and dengue fever,” it said.

The centre noted that the country is already experiencing a rising incidence of cholera, as yellow fever and dengue fever are being detected in some states.

It, however, said it is partnering with stakeholders for a coordinated response to surges in infectious disease outbreaks.

“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 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,” it highlighted.

On cholera, the NCDC stated that as of June 29th, 34 states have reported cases, with Zamfara State accounting for 32 per cent of all suspected cases.

“Other states with high case numbers include Bayelsa, Adamawa, Delta, Lagos, and Rivers,” it added.

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

“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 to support state authorities with mass vaccination campaigns.

“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,” it emphasised.

The agency advised residents to look out for symptoms such as high fever, headache, muscle or joint pain, sore throat, and swollen glands, as 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.

Other measures to take are to improve infrastructure and sanitation, including drainage systems, to prevent water accumulation and reduce mosquito breeding; and seek prompt medical attention if you experience symptoms such as fever, headache, joint pain, and avoid self-medication as symptoms could mimic malaria.

Healthcare workers are also 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.

Source: Punch