NCDC Warns of Increasing Yellow Fever Cases Amid Nigeria’s Cholera Outbreak

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a warning about the rising number of yellow fever cases in the country, coinciding with an ongoing cholera outbreak affecting nearly all states.

Dr. Jide Idris, the Director-General of the NCDC, announced the warning at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja. Since June, the NCDC has been actively managing a cholera outbreak that has spread across 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory, impacting 187 Local Government Areas.

As of July 15, Nigeria has recorded 3,623 suspected cholera cases and 103 deaths, with a case fatality rate of 2.8 percent. Idris noted a slight decline in reported cases and fatalities in the past week, attributing the improvement to ongoing efforts at national and state levels. However, he cautioned that the peak of the rainy season, which typically exacerbates cholera outbreaks, is still ahead.

Idris expressed concerns about underreporting due to inadequate surveillance resources and the political stigma associated with the disease. Additionally, the agency has observed 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, along with one death,” Idris said. “Yellow fever, a viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes, presents symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, back pain, body aches, and jaundice.”

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

He highlighted that heavy rainfall and flooding significantly impact the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera and yellow fever.