The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has warned of a possible surge in cholera, yellow fever, and dengue fever cases following flood predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
NiMet had earlier flagged Sokoto, Kaduna, Zamfara, Yobe, and other states as high-risk flood zones this July. The NCDC, in a statement by Director-General Dr. Jide Idris, explained that floods often introduce dangerous pathogens into water sources, increasing cholera risks.
Recent statistics show Zamfara State recorded 32% of Nigeria’s suspected cholera cases in late June, with Bayelsa, Adamawa, Delta, Lagos, and Rivers also heavily affected. Meanwhile, Edo State faces a dengue fever outbreak, while yellow fever has been detected in six states.
The NCDC emphasized that even one yellow fever case constitutes an outbreak, though no fatalities have been reported. The agency is ramping up surveillance, treatment supplies, and public sensitization to mitigate the crisis.
Residents are urged to maintain proper sanitation, avoid stagnant water, and use mosquito repellents to prevent infections.