NCDC flags 10 states at risk of cholera outbreak

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has warned that 10 States face heightened risk of cholera outbreak in the coming days, as enters the seasonal period when cholera cases typically begin to rise.

The Agency issued the alert signed by Jide Idris, its Director General, on Wednesday, while noting the flood predictions released by the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

The Agency highlighted that parts of Adamawa, Enugu, Kaduna, Kogi, Niger, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Taraba and Kwara States might experience heavy rainfall and flooding between 13 and 17 April 2026.

It warned that flooding during this period could rapidly increase the risk of disease outbreaks due to contamination of drinking water sources, disruption of sanitation systems, and increased exposure of communities to unsafe environmental conditions.

The Agency said the timing is particularly concerning as its recent national surveillance data already indicating increasing cholera activity across multiple states.

The NCDC, however stressed that while the risks are significant, they are preventable with early action, community vigilance and prompt adherence to public health guidance.

Flood-related public health risks, it said, extend beyond cholera to include other diarrhoeal diseases, malaria and other mosquito-borne infections, as well as illnesses resulting from direct contact with contaminated floodwaters.

The Centre also highlighted the potential for physical injuries, including drowning and snakebites, alongside disruptions to access to healthcare services in affected areas.

It cautioned that contaminated water remains one of the fastest transmission pathways for cholera, particularly where sanitation infrastructure is weak or overwhelmed by flooding.

The agency, further noted that disruptions to waste disposal systems and increased open exposure to stagnant water significantly raise the likelihood of community-level transmission.

The NCDC urged residents in the identified and at-risk states to take immediate precautionary measures to reduce exposure and prevent infection. These include the use of only safe water for drinking and cooking, with recommendations that water be boiled, chlorinated or sourced from bottled supplies where possible.

The Agency also emphasised the importance of hand hygiene, advising frequent washing of hands with soap and clean water, particularly before eating and after using the toilet.

It further warned against contact with floodwater, noting that exposure should be avoided as much as possible due to contamination risks.

Food safety was also highlighted, with residents advised to ensure proper handling and storage of food to prevent contamination. Sanitation practices, including safe waste disposal and avoidance of open defecation, were described as critical to preventing environmental spread of disease during the flooding period.

The NCDC further advised households to sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets in order to reduce the risk of malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases, which tend to surge during periods of heavy rainfall and stagnant water accumulation.

It added that individuals experiencing symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting or fever should seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility, stressing that early treatment significantly improves outcomes and helps prevent wider community transmission.

Beyond household-level measures, the agency called on community leaders and local authorities to play an active role in outbreak prevention. It urged them to support environmental sanitation efforts, particularly drainage clearance and waste management, which are critical in reducing flood-related health risks.

According to the Agency, coordinated preparedness across all levels of government remains essential to limiting the public health impact of seasonal flooding and preventing avoidable loss of life.