Zamfara, Lagos, others at risk as NCDC confirms Cholera spread in 34 States

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a public health alert across the country, warning of a likely increase in cholera, yellow fever, and dengue fever cases due to impending flash floods.

According to a statement signed by NCDC Director-General, Jide Idris, the warning follows new forecasts by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which identified Sokoto, Kaduna, Zamfara, Yobe, and other states as areas vulnerable to flooding this July.

“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,” the statement explained.

“This contamination affects drinking water sources and creates ideal conditions for the spread of cholera.”

The NCDC disclosed that between June 23 and 29, suspected cholera cases have been recorded in 34 states, with Zamfara State accounting for 32% of all reported cases. Other states with high case numbers include Bayelsa, Adamawa, Delta, Lagos, and Rivers.

The agency also raised concerns over mosquito-borne diseases such as yellow fever and dengue fever, which are expected to thrive in stagnant floodwaters.

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A dengue fever outbreak was confirmed in Edo State between June 9 and 13, backed by laboratory tests. Additionally, seven yellow fever cases were confirmed across 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 added.

To combat the risk, the agency said it is collaborating with state governments, health partners, and local communities to bolster disease surveillance, distribute treatment supplies, deploy rapid response teams, and conduct awareness campaigns.

The NCDC urged Nigerians to adopt basic preventive measures such as regular handwashing, washing fruits and vegetables with clean water, using insecticide-treated nets and mosquito repellents, covering water containers, and eliminating stagnant water around homes. It also advised keeping all relevant vaccinations up to date.

“We urge all state governments to remain alert and intensify surveillance efforts to ensure timely detection and response to any of these diseases,” the statement concluded.