The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised concerns over multiple infectious disease threats across the country, confirming dengue fever in Sokoto and Zamfara states and chikungunya in Sokoto, while warning of increased risks of meningitis and Lassa fever as the dry season approaches.
The agency urged Nigerians to strengthen personal hygiene, guard against mosquito bites and seek prompt medical attention when experiencing persistent fever, warning that not every fever should be treated as malaria.
The warning comes amid Nigeria’s ongoing surveillance for Ebola, following the confirmation of an imported case of Bundibugyo Virus Disease on October 20, 2026, involving a traveller from Uganda.
In a national health security update, the NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed that no additional Ebola infection had been confirmed as of November 9, although 28 of the 62 identified contacts remained under monitoring.
He explained that 34 contacts had completed their individual 21-day monitoring period, while surveillance and investigations of suspected cases continued across the country.
According to him, the agency was working with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, state governments, the Federal Capital Territory Administration and development partners to sustain contact tracing, laboratory investigations, infection prevention and surveillance at points of entry.
Beyond Ebola, the confirmation of dengue and chikungunya infections has prompted the deployment of national rapid response teams to support the affected states.
The teams, which include entomologists from the National Arbovirus Research Centre in Enugu, are assisting with case identification, laboratory investigations, clinical preparedness, community engagement and mosquito control.
Idris warned that the symptoms of dengue and chikungunya could easily be mistaken for malaria, making proper medical assessment necessary.
“Not every fever is malaria,” he cautioned, noting that the two mosquito-borne infections could cause fever, headaches, body pains and joint pains.
He advised Nigerians experiencing persistent fever, particularly when accompanied by skin rashes, vomiting or severe joint pains, to seek medical attention rather than resorting to self-medication.
The NCDC boss particularly warned that dengue could become life-threatening when serious symptoms were overlooked.
He identified severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding and difficulty breathing as danger signs requiring urgent medical attention.
The agency also urged residents to intensify mosquito-control measures by eliminating stagnant water, covering water containers and protecting themselves against mosquito bites.
Meanwhile, the approaching dry season has heightened concerns over cerebrospinal meningitis, particularly in communities located within Nigeria’s meningitis belt.
The NCDC called on state governments to strengthen disease surveillance, improve access to diagnostic services, enhance clinical preparedness and support vaccination interventions where necessary.
It also identified diphtheria as a continuing public health concern, particularly among children who have missed routine immunisation.
Parents and caregivers were advised to verify their children’s vaccination status and seek guidance from health authorities on completing missed doses.
On Lassa fever, Idris warned that Nigeria was entering the period when infections had historically increased, urging state governments and healthcare facilities to strengthen surveillance, testing, treatment preparedness and infection prevention.
He also advised households to protect food from rodents, store food in covered containers and maintain clean surroundings to reduce the risk of infection.
The agency further expressed concern over the additional pressure that increased travel, concerts, religious gatherings and other mass events during the approaching festive season could place on public health facilities.
It urged state governments, event organisers and healthcare providers to ensure the availability of basic medical assistance, maintain appropriate hygiene standards and establish clear procedures for identifying and reporting suspected infectious diseases.
The NCDC also called on state governments to provide frontline health workers and emergency response teams with adequate funding, equipment, logistics and other operational resources to strengthen outbreak preparedness.
Public and private healthcare facilities were equally urged to promptly report suspected infections, maintain infection prevention measures and protect healthcare workers.
On the Ebola situation, the agency reiterated that the absence of additional confirmed cases did not mean Nigeria had been declared free of the disease.
The Director-General stressed that each identified contact must complete the required individual monitoring period before the country could meet the conditions for an official declaration that the outbreak had ended.
“Although we don’t have any new case, we still have to be vigilant. We are still not Ebola-free,” Idris said, according to a report by Channels Television.
The agency explained that the World Health Organisation must be involved in determining when Nigeria can officially be declared free of the infection.
It urged healthcare workers to establish patients’ travel histories and possible exposure to infectious diseases, observe infection prevention protocols and immediately notify public health authorities whenever suspected cases are identified.
The NCDC also advised anyone who develops symptoms following possible exposure to Ebola to avoid contact with others and call its toll-free line, 6232, for guidance before travelling to a health facility.
The agency maintained that Nigeria’s ability to contain the growing disease threats would depend on early detection, effective surveillance, adequate funding and coordinated action by federal and state authorities, healthcare providers and communities.
