The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised concerns over multiple infectious disease threats across the country, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant despite recording no new Ebola cases in three weeks.
The agency disclosed that Nigeria has maintained a 21-day period without a new case of the Bundibugyo Ebola virus following the confirmation of an imported infection from Uganda.
NCDC Director-General, Jide Idris, said the national Ebola response remains active, with intensified surveillance and investigations to identify possible suspected cases.
However, he warned that other infectious diseases, including dengue, chikungunya, diphtheria, meningitis and Lassa fever, continue to pose public health challenges.
Idris disclosed that dengue fever had been confirmed in Sokoto and Zamfara States, while chikungunya infections had also been reported in Sokoto.
He said the agency had deployed rapid response teams to support affected states and strengthen disease surveillance and control measures.
According to him, preparations are also ongoing to address the anticipated rise in meningitis cases and seasonal Lassa fever infections, while efforts to contain diphtheria remain in place.
The NCDC chief urged Nigerians to maintain proper hygiene, protect themselves against mosquito and rodent bites, ensure children receive their full routine vaccinations and seek medical attention whenever symptoms develop.
He also cautioned against assuming that every fever is malaria, stressing the importance of proper medical assessment and early diagnosis.
