NCDC issues alert of rising yellow fever cases amid cholera outbreak in Nigeria

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised alarms over a surge in yellow fever cases, coinciding with a widespread cholera outbreak affecting nearly all states in the country.

At a press conference in Abuja, NCDC Director-General Dr. Jide Idris reported that since June, Nigeria has been grappling with a cholera outbreak spanning 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory, impacting 187 Local Government Areas. As of July 15, there have been 3,623 suspected cholera cases and 103 deaths, with a case fatality rate of 2.8%.

Although recent weeks have seen a slight decline in cholera cases and fatalities due to national and state-level efforts, Dr. Idris cautioned that the peak of the rainy season, which typically exacerbates cholera outbreaks, is still ahead. Concerns remain about underreporting due to limited surveillance resources and the political stigma associated with the disease.

Adding to the health crisis, Dr. Idris noted a troubling rise in yellow fever cases with the onset of the rainy season. Three presumptive positive cases have been reported—two in Ekiti state and one in Bayelsa—resulting in one death. Yellow fever, a viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes, presents symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, back pain, body aches, and jaundice.

Dr. Idris emphasized the importance of vaccination as the most effective prevention method against yellow fever, offering lifelong immunity. He urged the public to get vaccinated, use mosquito repellents, wear protective clothing, and eliminate stagnant water to reduce mosquito breeding sites.

Heavy rainfall and flooding significantly impact the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera and yellow fever, making preventive measures and timely medical interventions crucial.