The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has warned that the risk of mosquito-borne diseases like Chikungunya has been significantly heightened with the ongoing rainy season and increased flooding across parts of the country.
This is according to an advisory published by the agency on Friday.
NCDC stated that it was closely monitoring the global epidemiological situation following recent reports of the Chikungunya virus outbreak in multiple
countries.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO ) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, over 240,000 cases and 90 deaths have been reported across at least 16 countries so far this year. Notably, China has recorded nearly 5,000 cases since early July 2025, with Guangdong Province alone reporting close to 3,000 cases in a week.
“Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease transmitted primarily by the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, the same vectors responsible for Dengue and Yellow Fever.
“Unlike the Malaria causing Anopheles mosquitoes, Aedes mosquitoes bite during the day, especially early mornings and late afternoons. Therefore, preventive efforts must extend beyond night-time protection”, the agency said.
Symptoms of the disease include sudden-onset fever, joint pain, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and rash.
NCDC noted that, “while no confirmed Chikungunya cases have been reported in Nigeria in 2025, the environmental conditions conducive to outbreaks are present, especially in flood-affected and high-risk states and this requires proactive risk reduction.
“With the ongoing rainy season and increased flooding across parts of Nigeria, the risk of mosquito-borne diseases including Chikungunya, Dengue, and Yellow Fever is significantly heightened”.
It explained that the existing surveillance and preparedness infrastructure of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and
Prevention (NCDC), in collaboration with State Governments and Tertiary Institution Laboratories including the National Arbovirus and Vector Research Centre (NAVRC) in Enugu, enables early
detection and rapid response to mosquito-borne threats such as Yellow Fever, Dengue, and Chikungunya.
“This infrastructure will be leveraged to enhance national readiness and response to any potential Chikungunya outbreaks”, it said.
The agency noted that while Nigeria had not recorded recent cases of Chikungunya, increased global transmission, regional proximity including through trade and travel to affected areas, and current environmental risks due to flooding call for heightened vigilance.
The NCDC and NAVRC therefore urged all Nigerians, especially residents and authorities in high-risk areas, to act decisively in preventing mosquito-borne illnesses.
“To reduce your risk of mosquito-borne diseases: Use insecticide-treated mosquito nets while sleeping, Wear protective clothing with long sleeves and trousers, Apply mosquito repellent on exposed skin, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.
“Ensure good environmental sanitation, eliminate standing water collections around your homes, empty containers, tires, flowers, pots, and drain blocked gutters to prevent water stagnation to avoid mosquito breeding sites.
“Wash hands frequently and practice good hygiene. Seek prompt medical attention if you experience fever, rash, or joint pain”, the agencies advised.
The statement further informed that NCDC and NAVRC on their part, would continue to, “Collaborate with other relevant stakeholders to strengthen vector surveillance and control to
ensure prompt disease detection capacity across states.
“Support health workers and state governments in identifying and responding to suspected mosquito-borne illnesses.
“Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to reinforce community awareness and hygiene promotion campaigns.
“Collaborating across the One Health spectrum including human, animal, environmental, and climate sectors, for integrated preparedness”.
