The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Jide Idris, has issued a strong warning about the growing spread of dengue fever across Nigeria.
He revealed that many Nigerians treat dengue symptoms as malaria, which dangerously delays proper diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Idris shared this concern during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.
He explained that diseases like dengue, yellow fever, and cholera often go unreported because people assume they are dealing with malaria.
“When Nigerians fall ill with fever and weakness, they usually treat themselves for malaria,” he said. “But many of those cases are actually dengue fever, which can become deadly if ignored.”
He stressed that dengue symptoms often resemble malaria, including high fever, body aches, and tiredness.
However, unlike malaria, dengue fever can escalate rapidly if not identified early. Dr. Idris urged Nigerians to visit health centres instead of relying on self-medication.
He also appealed to medical professionals across the country. Doctors should report suspected cases immediately to their state epidemiology teams.
Quick reporting allows the NCDC to respond fast and prevent further spread.
“In some cases, the NCDC only receives reports two or three weeks after symptoms started,” Idris noted. “That delay is dangerous.”
On July 18, the Federal Government issued a public health alert.
The warning listed cholera, Mpox, diphtheria, yellow fever, and dengue fever as diseases with active outbreaks.
Idris said the situation needs urgent attention to avoid more deaths.
He also noted that rural communities face the highest risk.
Many of them lack access to reliable healthcare or disease testing.
Idris called on community leaders, media outlets, and health workers to increase public education about dengue fever.
According to him, a fever that lasts longer than three days should not be ignored.
Families must act quickly by seeking testing and reporting cases to health authorities.
“This is not just the NCDC’s job,” he said. “Every Nigerian has a role to play.”