Dengue, Other Outbreaks Pose Greater Threats to Nigerians If Unreported, Says NCDC DG
The Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Jide Idris, has articulated that Nigerians face heightened peril if occurrences of dengue fever, yellow fever, and other outbreaks remain unreported, thereby hindering accurate diagnosis.
Dr. Idris elucidated this concern on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday.
He expressed regret that instances of dengue fever have been misidentified by some Nigerians as malaria, owing to symptom similarities and inadequate diagnostic measures.
“Crucially, if individuals refrain from reporting cases, it becomes significantly more perilous for us collectively.
The more cases we report, the more focused our attention becomes,” he stated.
“For instance, consider what transpired with dengue fever. Evidently, cases existed, yet they were misdiagnosed as malaria or general fever.
“Regrettably, malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever manifest similar symptoms. Hence, it is imperative not to self-medicate. Seek healthcare facilities where accurate diagnoses can be rendered,” he added.
The NCDC further advised administrators of medical facilities in tertiary institutions to swiftly inform the Ministry of Health and the centre upon detection of any case.
Idris remarked, “Regrettably, we must address our colleagues in tertiary institutions equipped to make such diagnoses.
Once a diagnosis is made or a case is detected, it is crucial to report it through the state ministries of health, and subsequently to the NCDC, enabling us to orchestrate an appropriate response.”
“Tragically, in the case of dengue fever, some instances persisted for two or three weeks before notification reached us. Individuals were merely experiencing fever, among other symptoms, until we intervened and diagnosed dengue.
“This alert serves to underscore the risks we face. It is imperative to inform the populace of necessary actions and, more critically, to report any case promptly, allowing us to mount an appropriate response early enough to mitigate fatalities,” he added.
On July 18, 2025, the Federal Government issued an alert, cautioning Nigerians about the outbreak of infectious diseases nationwide.
The warning, disseminated on Friday via its website, was confirmed by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), acknowledging the widespread outbreaks of cholera, dengue fever, Mpox, diphtheria, and yellow fever.
The public health agency cautioned of severe public health risks if immediate action is not undertaken, asserting that the ongoing outbreaks necessitate urgent national focus.
“The situation necessitates heightened vigilance and intensified response efforts from all stakeholders,” the NCDC declared.
