The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has raised concerns over a possible cholera outbreak in 10 states, citing imminent flooding and rising infection trends across the country.
The affected states include Adamawa, Enugu, Kaduna, Kogi, Niger, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Taraba and Kwara.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the agency linked the warning to flood forecasts by the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, which projected heavy rainfall in the listed states between April 13 and April 17.
The NCDC said recent surveillance data already indicated a surge in cholera cases in several high-risk areas, warning that flooding could worsen the situation by contaminating water sources and disrupting sanitation systems.
It stated, “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. Importantly, these risks are preventable with early action.”
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The agency urged residents in vulnerable communities to adopt preventive measures, including boiling or chlorinating drinking water, maintaining proper hygiene and avoiding contact with floodwaters.
It also advised the public to seek immediate medical attention in cases of symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting and fever.
The Director-General of the NCDC, Jide Idris, said the agency was working with state ministries of health and relevant partners to strengthen disease surveillance and emergency response.
According to him, state governments have been supported to activate multi-sectoral response mechanisms, particularly in water, sanitation and emergency management.
He stressed that early intervention, community vigilance and prompt treatment remained critical to preventing a full-scale outbreak and reducing fatalities.
The agency further called on community leaders and local authorities to intensify sanitation campaigns, ensure proper waste disposal, promote hygiene awareness and facilitate early reporting of suspected cases.
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