Following flood predictions issued by the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency in selected states, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has also issued an advisory, warning of high cholera cases in those states.
In a statement issued by the Director General of NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris on Wednesday, the alert came into being at a critical time as Nigeria enters the seasonal period when cholera cases typically begin to rise.
“The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) alerts the public to flood predictions issued by the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency indicating that parts of Adamawa, Enugu, Kaduna, Kogi, Niger, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Taraba, and Kwara States may experience heavy rainfall and flooding between 13th and 17th April 2026.
“Recent national surveillance data show increasing cholera activity across multiple states. Flooding during this period can 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”, he said.
The DG however noted that these risks were preventable with early action, adding that flooding may increase the risk of Cholera and other diarrhoeal diseases, Malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases, Infections from contact with contaminated floodwaters, injuries, including drowning snakebites and disruption of access to healthcare services.
He therefore advised residents in affected and at-risk areas to: “Use only safe water for drinking and cooking (boil, chlorinate, or use bottled water). Wash hands frequently with soap and clean water, especially before eating and after using the toilet. Avoid contact with floodwater as much as possible. Maintain proper sanitation, including safe disposal of waste and avoidance of open defecation”.
Furthermore, they were advised to handle and store food safely to prevent contamination, Sleep under insecticide-treated nets to prevent mosquito bites, Seek care immediately at the nearest health facility if any diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, or feel unwell.
