The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a public health advisory in response to a growing cholera outbreak that has spread across 30 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in nine Nigerian states.
At a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, NCDC Director-General Dr. Jide Idris voiced serious concern over the surge in infections, warning that the onset of the rainy season could worsen the outbreak and increase public health risks.
“As of April 28, 2025, over 1,141 suspected cases and 30 deaths have been recorded, with Bayelsa, Lagos, Abia, and Zamfara among the most affected,” Idris stated.
He attributed the outbreak to inadequate sanitation, poor access to clean water, and widespread open defecation, which continue to fuel the transmission of cholera in vulnerable communities.
Dr. Idris affirmed that the NCDC is actively collaborating with state governments, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, and international development partners to enhance disease surveillance, scale up access to oral rehydration solutions, and drive public hygiene awareness campaigns.
In addition to cholera, the NCDC chief provided updates on several other health concerns:
Lassa Fever: Although weekly cases are declining, Dr. Idris warned that the disease remains endemic in states such as Edo, Ondo, and Bauchi. “We must not relax,” he cautioned. “The virus is still circulating in the rodent population.”
Mpox (Monkeypox): New cases have recently been confirmed in Lagos, Rivers, and the Federal Capital Territory. While there have been no deaths in the past month, the disease continues to spread through close personal contact.
Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM): Outbreaks have been reported in Sokoto, Kebbi, and Yobe, primarily affecting children and young adults. Vaccination campaigns are currently being conducted in high-risk areas with support from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
Dr. Idris issued a stern warning against the misuse of antibiotics in the treatment of cholera and Lassa fever, highlighting the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). “Not every illness requires antibiotics,” he emphasized. “Misuse is a silent pandemic that could undermine future infection treatment.”
The NCDC urged Nigerians to adopt preventive behaviors such as frequent hand washing, proper waste management, and early healthcare-seeking when symptoms emerge. Dr. Idris stressed that protecting public health is a shared duty and called on the media and civil society groups to play active roles in risk communication and community mobilization.
