The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Jide Idris, has warned that Nigerians are at greater risk if incidents of dengue fever, yellow fever, and other outbreaks are not reported for proper diagnosis.
Idris made this statement on Monday Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, emphasising the importance of reporting cases to enable prompt attention and response.
He further lamented that some Nigerians have mistaken dengue fever for malaria due to similarities in symptoms and a lack of proper diagnosis.
He also stressed that if cases were not reported, it becomes more challenging to address the outbreaks effectively.
“But one thing that is important is that if people do not report cases, it is more dangerous for us as a people,” he said.
The NCDC Director-General advised Nigerians not to self-medicate and instead visit healthcare facilities where proper diagnosis could be made.
He noted that malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever present similar symptoms, making it crucial to seek medical attention for accurate diagnosis.
The NCDC also advised managers of medical facilities in tertiary institutions to promptly notify the Ministry of Health and the centre as soon as a case is detected.
Idris emphasised the need for timely reporting to enable an appropriate response.
“Unfortunately, again, we need to address our colleagues in the tertiary institutions where they have the facility to make this diagnosis,” he said.
The Federal Government had issued an alert on July 18, 2025, warning Nigerians of the outbreak of infectious diseases across the country.
The NCDC confirmed the widespread outbreak of cholera, dengue fever, Mpox, diphtheria, and yellow fever, warning of serious public health risks if urgent action was not taken.
The public health agency emphasised the need for heightened vigilance and intensified response efforts from all stakeholders.
