The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has placed 10 states on high alert following forecasts of heavy rainfall and potential flooding, warning of an increased risk of disease outbreaks, particularly Cholera.
Director-General of the agency, Jide Idris, said projections from the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency indicate that parts of Adamawa, Enugu, Kaduna, Kogi, Niger, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Taraba, and Kwara states are expected to experience intense rainfall between April 13 and 17, 2026.
He noted that the warning coincides with a period when cholera cases typically surge in Nigeria, with early surveillance already indicating rising infections in some areas.
According to Idris, flooding can contaminate water sources and disrupt sanitation systems, creating conditions for rapid disease transmission. He added that flood-prone areas often record spikes in cholera cases during the rainy season, particularly in communities with limited access to clean water and poor waste management.
Beyond cholera, the NCDC warned of increased risks of other diarrhoeal diseases and mosquito-borne infections such as Malaria, which remains endemic in the country.
The agency also highlighted additional dangers associated with flooding, including injuries, drowning, snakebites, and disruptions to healthcare access, especially in rural and underserved communities.
Despite the risks, the NCDC emphasised that outbreaks can be prevented through early action and adherence to safety measures. Residents in affected states were advised to use safe drinking water, maintain proper hygiene, avoid contact with floodwaters, and seek prompt medical attention if symptoms occur.
The agency further urged community leaders and local authorities to intensify environmental sanitation efforts, including clearing drainage systems and promoting hygiene awareness at the grassroots level.
On preparedness, the NCDC said it is collaborating with state ministries of health to strengthen surveillance, improve readiness, and enhance rapid response systems in high-risk areas.
Authorities stressed that vigilance, early intervention, and community cooperation will be critical in preventing avoidable illnesses and deaths as the rainy season intensifies.
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