NCDC Raises Public Health Alert As Flood Season Sparks Disease Outbreak Concerns
As Nigeria braces for the height of the flood season, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a nationwide alert warning of increased risk of cholera, yellow fever, and dengue fever outbreaks.
Triggered by recent weather forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which highlight states such as Sokoto, Kaduna, Zamfara, and Yobe as high-risk areas for flooding, the NCDC has activated coordinated emergency responses to protect public health amid the rising waters.
Flooding, experts warn, not only displaces communities and disrupts livelihoods—it also creates a perfect storm for disease outbreaks.
Contaminated water supplies can lead to cholera, a potentially fatal illness that causes severe diarrhoea and dehydration.
The situation is already serious, with 34 states reporting suspected cholera cases. Zamfara alone accounts for 32% of those cases.
Equally concerning is the threat posed by mosquito-borne diseases. Stagnant floodwaters become breeding grounds for mosquitoes that transmit yellow fever and dengue fever.
The NCDC has confirmed a dengue outbreak in Edo State and seven yellow fever cases across six states including Lagos, Rivers, and Anambra.
“We are working round the clock with state governments and partners to strengthen surveillance, provide treatment, and carry out community engagement,” said Dr Jide Idris, Director General of the NCDC.
The public is urged to maintain good hygiene, avoid open defecation, and ensure food and water are safe. Crucially, residents are advised to eliminate stagnant water around their homes, use insect repellents, and get vaccinated against yellow fever.
Healthcare workers are also on high alert, as a single confirmed case of yellow or dengue fever is treated as an outbreak under Nigerian health law.
The NCDC encourages Nigerians to stay informed through its official website www.ncdc.gov.ng and social media channels, as the nation navigates this challenging season.
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