The NCDC warned 10 states of disease and cholera outbreaks linked to the floods

Nigerian Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has warned 10 states of a high risk of cholera and other disease outbreaks.

The warning follows forecasts by the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Nigerian Meteorological Service (NiMet), which indicate that parts of Adamawa, Enugu, Kaduna, Kogi, Niger, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Taraba and Kwara States may experience heavy rains and flooding between April 13 and April 17.

NCDC Director General, Dr. Jide Idris, in his statement, Wednesday in Abuja reiterated that early action, public vigilance, and a quick search for treatment could prevent an outbreak and save lives, noting that the forecast coincides with the seasonal period when cholera cases typically start to rise in the country, and warned that flooding could exacerbate disease transmission.

According to him, recent surveillance data shows increased cholera activity in various states, raising concerns that flood conditions could accelerate the outbreak.

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He explained that floods increase public health risks because they pollute drinking water sources, disrupt sanitation systems, and expose people to unsafe environmental conditions.

He warned that besides cholera, other risks include malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases, infections from contact with contaminated floodwater, injuries such as drowning and snake bites, and impaired access to health services.

However, he emphasized that this risk can still be prevented with early action and public vigilance.

He advised residents in at-risk areas to use only safe water for drinking and cooking, including boiled, chlorinated or bottled water, while also maintaining strict hand hygiene practices.

He urged the public to avoid contact with floodwater if possible, ensure good sanitation and waste disposal, and store food safely to prevent contamination.

“Residents are also advised to sleep with insecticide-treated mosquito nets and immediately seek treatment at the nearest health facility if they experience symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, fever or general illness,” he said.

The NCDC chairman called on community leaders and local governments to support environmental sanitation, drainage cleaning, and dissemination of accurate public health information to prevent outbreaks.

He added that the agency is working with the Ministry of Health and its partners to strengthen surveillance systems and increase preparedness to carry out rapid responses in affected areas.